The Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement to sign free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, according to his agent, Mike McCartney. Cousins’ deal is worth a reported $100 million in guaranteed money.
The Falcons have been searching for a quality starting quarterback since trading Matt Ryan away in 2022. Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke each failed to seize the job, and now the team will look to Cousins to help end a six-year playoff drought.
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
Cousins, 35, has passed for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions over 12 NFL seasons. The former Michigan State star was drafted by former Washington head coach Mike Shanahan in the fourth round back in 2012.
After playing six years in Washington, Cousins signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 2018. At three years and $84 million, his contract was the largest guaranteed deal in NFL history. Over the last six seasons in Minnesota, Cousins has passed for 23,265 yards, 171 touchdowns and 55 interceptions for a passer rating of 101.2.
