Four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed a new contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Cousins, a former fourth-round pick, spent the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings but has also played for the Washington Redskins.
Compensation update: Falcons are giving QB Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million deal including $100 million guaranteed, per source. It’s $45 million per average per year.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
REPORT: Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons, Agree to Contract
Kirk Cousins’ 2023 campaign came to a premature end following an Achilles injury midway through the season. Injuries are never fun, but Cousins’ was especially unfortunate seeing as the quarterback was in the midst of the best year of his career. Playing in eight games, the longtime NFL veteran completed 69.5% of his passes for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Minnesota went 4-4 while he was under center, but despite the record, Cousins was playing some amazing football.
Kirk Cousins originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Selected by the Washington Redskins, the Michigan State product began his career as the primary backup for fellow 2012 draftee Robert Griffin III. Cousins appeared in three games as a rookie, making one start while completing 68.8% of his passes for 466 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Griffin, meanwhile, won Rookie of the Year honors for his phenomenal debut season.
However, injuries struck and Griffin was never able to recapture his rookie magic. Cousins earned a larger and larger role as the seasons progressed until he eventually became the full-time starter in 2015. During his first year as the full-time starter, Cousins completed a league-leading 69.8% of his passes for 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The following season, Cousins earned his first Pro Bowl selection after completing 67.0% of his passes for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Following one final season in Washington, Cousins signed with the Minnesota Vikings in the 2018 offseason. While his first season with the team was relatively disappointing, the quarterback had a strong season in 2019. Making the Pro Bowl for a second time, Cousins completed 69.1% of his passes for 3,603 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Since signing his rookie contract, Kirk Cousins has completed 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns, and 110 interceptions.
Main Photo: Benny Sieu – USA Today Sports
