If Kirk Cousins is going to leave the Minnesota Vikings in NFL free agency, it will need to be for the right situation. A team with a ready-to-win roster that won’t mind overpaying to fill its gaping hole at quarterback.
Are the Atlanta Falcons a good fit? A new report indicates they have heavy interest in the free agent QB.
Atlanta Falcons Reportedly Eyeing Kirk Cousins
Most Atlanta fans probably hope those Justin Fields trade rumors prove true. They also might want the Falcons to trade up from No. 8 in the 2024 NFL Draft to select one of this year’s top QB prospects.
But Atlanta might be left to address its quarterback need via free agency. And Cousins might be the answer.
On Monday, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported the Vikings “want to keep” Cousins and spoke with his representatives while at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. But Breer also noted that Minnesota’s reservations about Cousins’ age — he’ll turn 36 in August — and recent injury history could lead to a separation.
“If Cousins goes elsewhere? The Falcons have been the team connected to him the most in league circles, with the offensive coaches putting in a system (Zac Robinson worked with Kevin O’Connell at the Rams) that he’s very familiar with,” Breer wrote.
“The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots are two others with offensive play-callers who, like O’Connell, want their quarterback to handle a lot at the line of scrimmage.”
Coming into the combine, Chicago hoped to finalize its evaluation of Caleb Williams before free agency. The signs point toward a decision in the near future, writes @AlbertBreer in this week's takeaways https://t.co/htZzhFNnEK
— The MMQB (@theMMQB)
Cousins is coming off a torn Achilles, and depending on your perspective is probably overrated. Nevertheless, he’s a proven starting-caliber NFL quarterback, and those are hard to come by.
Plus, Breer isn’t the first person to suggest Cousins could land in Atlanta. One former NFL general manager recently predicted a deal eventually will be made.
Cousins probably wouldn’t lead the Falcons to a Super Bowl, but he might be good enough to make them the favorites in the NFC South.
What if the Falcons Miss Out on Cousins?
The Falcons will only have so many QB options this offseason. If they come up empty on the trade market, miss out on Cousins, and don’t like their chances in the NFL Draft, they’ll be in a tough spot.
Could that lead to a deal with a quarterback who just led a divisional rival to the playoffs?
During a Monday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Adam Schefter was asked to corroborate recent reports about the New England Patriots being interested in Baker Mayfield. He didn’t dismiss the notion and also suggested the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are well-positioned to re-sign Mayfield.
However, Schefter also said the Falcons could be in play for Mayfield, who’s set to hit free agency next week.
“I think Baker could be in play (for the Patriots),” Schefter said. “I think Baker is more in play in Tampa, especially now that Mike Evans will be back here. I think Atlanta, if it doesn’t get Kirk Cousins, will have interest in Baker Mayfield.”
"I think if Atlanta doesn't get Kirk Cousins they will have interest in Baker Mayfield..
The first two names that come to mind in New England are Joe Flacco and Jacoby Brissett"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/khSqxiZt2o
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow)
At the end of the day, it’s hard to see the Falcons convincing Mayfield to leave Tampa Bay to join another NFC South team. But Mayfield is coming off a career-best season and likely knows this could be his last chance to land a big contract.
KEEP READING: Top Free Agent Quarterbacks 2024
He just might go to the highest bidder, and that could be the Falcons.
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