The Atlanta Falcons entered the offseason with Kirk Cousins as their top target in NFL free agency. With the league tampering window opening on Monday, the Falcons reportedly might have to start thinking about their backup options at quarterback.
One week ago, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that Cousins and his family were seriously looking into a move from Minnesota to Atlanta. It fueled speculation that the four-time Pro Bowl selection might leave the Vikings behind for a better offer from the Falcons.
Related: Most underrated NFL free agents 2024
Following the report, chatter picked up about the Vikings’ alternatives at quarterback. Minnesota is widely viewed as the team other clubs would have to jump over in the 2024 NFL Draft for J.J. McCarthy. The front office has also been tied to several free-agent quarterbacks. However, the situation seems to be changing.
- Kirk Cousins stats 2023: 103.8 QB rating, 18-5 TD-INT, 2,331 passing yards, 7.5 yards per attempt
Dan Graziano of ESPN reported on Sunday that Cousins and the Vikings are still talking. While Minnesota reportedly hasn’t made the offer the veteran is looking for, talks have at least progressed from last week. Furthermore, Cousins and his family love Minnesota.
The Falcons certainly aren’t out of the mix for Cousins by any means. However, one Vikings official told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the team believes it’s truly a 50-50 battle. Atlanta is pushing hard because of owner Arthur Blank’s insistence on upgrading at quarterback, but the Vikings organization wants to keep Cousins.
Related: Most overrated NFL free agents 2024
If the Vikings come out on top of the bidding war, Atlanta will have to pivot quickly. Baker Mayfield is poised to hit the open market, but his asking price is right up there with Cousins’ contract demands. If the Falcons wanted to pursue a trade, the acquisition cost for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is coming down.
Cousins is the biggest quarterback domino that will fall in NFL free agency. Once he is officially signed, either by the Vikings or Falcons, it could set off a chain reaction that leads to the likes of Fields, Mayfield and Sam Darnold quickly finding homes.
