Terry Fontenot has been the Atlanta Falcons’ general manager for three full seasons, and now he’s ready to go big-game hunting in free agency. Three consecutive losing seasons, resulting in missing the playoffs each year has already led to major changes at the top. The hope is Raheem Morris can get better results than Arthur Smith did. but the Falcons also realize they need to finally solve their quarterback problem.
Boasting over $40 million in cap space, plus the eighth overall pick, the Falcons believe they have what it takes to find a QB, even if it means getting aggressive in free agency.
Atlanta Falcons believe Kirk Cousins can make them a winner
When it comes to free agency, the Atlanta Falcons may be deciding between the likes of Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Jimmy Garoppolo, among several others. While Wilson and Garoppolo have yet to be released from their contracts, we already know Cousins is set for unrestricted free agency, and he’s arguably the best player available from that crop.
But are the Falcons interested in a soon-to-be 36-year-old QB coming off an Achilles injury?
According to The Athletic, not only are the Falcons interested, they are big believers in the player dubbed as “the most valuable player on the market“, per Dianna Russini.
“Over the next month, I’m keeping an eye on the Falcons. They believe Cousins is the type of player who moves them from a fringe playoff team to a contender. New Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson both have familiarity with Cousins. Knowing this could be a seamless transition for Cousins and the talented young group of players across their roster, I expect the Falcons to compete for the rights to his contract. It makes all the sense in the world.”
Dianna Russini on Atlanta Falcons’ interest in Kirk Cousins
Related: Owner demands Falcons do what it takes to land Kirk Cousins
Russini reminds us that the Vikings are eager to re-sign Cousins, but like Atlanta, Minnesota is also closely evaluating top QB prospects as an alternative solution.
Plus, Atlanta does have several factors working in their favor in regards to wooing Cousins to town. First off, he and his wife Julie, a Georgia native, were married in Atlanta. As for football ties, Cousins could have an easy transition, thanks to the Falcons’ new offensive playcaller Zac Robinson hailing from the Los Angeles Rams, where current Vikings coach came from. It’s not unreasonable to think Robinson’s new offensive system will be similar to what Cousins is familiar with, which could give him an easy acclimation period with the Falcons too.
Ultimately, it’s up to Cousins in free agency. What does he and his family prioritize most? A chance to win? Comfort of being in close proximity to his family? More money than everyone else can offer? Either way, the Falcons appear to have a fighting chance at adding a proven Pro Bowl QB this offseason.
Related: Russini Confirms: Race for Kirk Cousins Coming Down to Vikings vs Falcons