Falcons land Cousins on 4-year deal worth reported $180M

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a four-year deal with free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, his agent, Mike McCartney, confirmed.

The deal is worth $180 million, including a $50-million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Cousins has spent the last six years with the Minnesota Vikings. Previously, he played six seasons with the Washington Commanders.

The 35-year-old was on pace to have the best season of his career in 2023 before tearing his Achilles in Week 8. He had 2,331 passing yards with 18 touchdowns, which was the most in the NFL at the time.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Monday that the club and player couldn't come to a deal.

"After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, we were unable to reach agreement on a contract that fits short and long-term visions for both Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings," Adofo-Mensah said.

"Kirk holds a special place in Vikings history, and we appreciate his leadership and contributions to the team and the Minneapolis-St. Paul community over the past six seasons. We wish him, his wife, Julie, and their children the best."

Atlanta has struggled to produce competent quarterback play since Matt Ryan left in 2021. Starters Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota combined for just 5,055 passing yards with only 27 touchdowns to 21 interceptions over the last two campaigns. Atlanta has gone 7-10 in back-to-back seasons.

Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts reacted to the news on social media.

Cousins' wife, Julie Hampton, was born and raised in Georgia and attended the University of Georgia.

The Michigan state product was drafted by the Commanders in the fourth round in 2012. He has secured four Pro Bowl nominations in his career, throwing for 39,471 yards with 270 touchdowns in 150 games.