The Atlanta Falcons have made a move to enhance their offensive arsenal by securing the services of experienced quarterback Kirk Cousins in a four-year agreement. Confirmation of the deal came from Cousins’s agent, Mike McCartney, who shared the news on social media. According to ESPN, the contract is valued at $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed.
In other news, the Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly reached agreements with former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and New York Jets defensive end Bryce Huff. Barkley is expected to sign a three-year contract worth $26 million in guaranteed money and $37.75 million overall. Meanwhile, sources indicate that Huff will secure a three-year deal worth $51 million. It’s important to note that free agents cannot officially sign with new teams until Wednesday.
Barkley had a productive season last year, rushing for 962 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games, and making 41 catches, including four touchdowns. Huff, on the other hand, has accumulated 17.5 career sacks, 65 total tackles, and one forced fumble in his four seasons with the Jets.
The Falcons have been assembling offensive talent for several years, with players such as tight end Kyle Pitts, running back Bijan Robinson, and wide receiver Drake London, all of whom were top 10 draft picks. However, they have struggled to find a capable replacement for former quarterback Matt Ryan, who departed the team after the 2021 season. Although Cousins is considered a proficient NFL quarterback, he is 35 years old and is coming off a torn Achilles injury that prematurely ended his 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings. Prior to the injury, Cousins had an impressive 103.8 passer rating in eight games, the third-best in the league. In contrast, the Falcons faced difficulties with quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. Falcons owner Arthur Blank openly acknowledged the deficiencies in their quarterback room last season, a sentiment shared by many fans.
