The Atlanta Falcons made a significant move in NFL free agency by signing Kirk Cousins to a massive $180 million contract. Cousins, a proven quarterback, is expected to elevate Atlanta’s performance. However, some were skeptical about the move, including former quarterback Cam Newton, who shared his thoughts on the deal.
Newton, in a conversation with Shannon Sharp, discussed the irony of Cousins receiving a hefty payday despite recovering from an injury, contrasting it with his own situation where he didn’t receive similar compensation. He implied that the Falcons might have overpaid for Cousins, suggesting they could have acquired multiple quarterbacks like himself, Justin Fields, and Michael Vick for the same price.
Newton cleverly remarked that if Cousins had his achievements, he might have commanded an even larger contract, hinting at a disparity in recognition.
Newton’s illustrious career with the Panthers included notable achievements such as winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2011, multiple Pro Bowl appearances, and a standout season in 2015 where he secured his first MVP award and All-Pro recognition, although he fell short of winning a Super Bowl.
Whether Newton’s perspective on Cousins was valid or stemmed from bitterness remains open to interpretation. Nonetheless, the Falcons are optimistic about the impact Cousins will bring to the team.
Kirk Cousins looks to help take the Falcons to the next level
Kirk Cousins has established himself as one of the NFL’s most dependable and prolific quarterbacks. He began his journey with the Washington Commanders after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 Draft. Over time, he steadily honed his skills, culminating in a significant leap in his fourth season.
In 2015, Cousins showcased his prowess by amassing 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns. The following year, he earned his inaugural Pro Bowl selection with an impressive career-high of 4,917 passing yards. This marked the beginning of a consistent trend, with Cousins recording five more seasons of over 4,000 passing yards and adding three more Pro Bowl nods to his resume.
However, as Newton highlighted, Cousins faced challenges in his final year with the Vikings due to injury, limiting him to just eight games. Despite this setback, the 35-year-old veteran posted respectable numbers in the 2023 season, accumulating 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns.
With Cousins set to return, expectations are high for him to resume his role as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. The Falcons have assembled a formidable arsenal around him, including the return of standout wide receiver Drake London and dynamic tight end Kyle Pitts, both coming off productive seasons.
Ultimately, the Falcons’ decision to invest in Kirk Cousins reflects their confidence in his ability to elevate the team’s performance in the upcoming 2024 season and beyond.
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