Falcons Regret Megadeal Signing Kirk Cousins, But At What Cost To Team Chemistry?

The Atlanta Falcons were riding high on a wave of optimism as they embarked on the 2021 offseason. After a disappointing playoff loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, the team was eager to bolster their roster and address the glaring weaknesses that had haunted them for years. In a bold move, the Falcons handed a lucrative contract to free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, hoping that he would be the missing piece to their championship puzzle.

However, it quickly became apparent that the Falcons had bitten off more than they could chew. The $84 million, 3-year deal signed in March 2021 seemed like a bargain at the time, but it has turned out to be a costly mistake. As the season progressed, it became increasingly clear that the Falcons' chemistry had suffered irreparable damage, and the team's on-field performance suffered as a result.

The Signing and its Immediate Consequences

When the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a 3-year, $84 million deal, many fans and analysts were excited to see the team take a stab at the free agent quarterback market. Cousins, a proven veteran with a strong track record of performance, was seen as the perfect solution to the Falcons' long-standing quarterback conundrum.

• Age: 34 at the time of signing
• Career Stats: 28,503 passing yards, 197 touchdowns, 71 interceptions
• Pro Bowl appearances: 6
• All-Pro selections: 0

Cousins had a long history of success with the Washington Redskins, leading the team to the playoffs in 2015 and 2016. However, his tenure with the Redskins ended abruptly in 2019, when he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, however, had a disappointing season in 2021, finishing 19-16 and missing the playoffs.

The Breakdown of the Contract

The Falcons' decision to sign Cousins was driven by a desire to add a proven winner to their roster. However, the contract terms were less than ideal. The deal, which averages out to $28 million per year, is the largest contract ever given to a quarterback by an NFL team.

In essence, Cousins will earn $28 million per year for 3 years, with a $40 million signing bonus and $12 million in guaranteed money.

While the contract is certainly lucrative, it has proven to be a significant burden for the Falcons' salary cap. The team has struggled to navigate the complex NFL salary cap landscape, and the Cousins deal has been a major contributor to the problem.

Team Chemistry and On-Field Performance

The Falcons' decision to sign Cousins has had a significant impact on the team's chemistry. The quarterback position is often considered the most critical position on the field, and Cousins' arrival has created tension among the team's existing players.

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According to sources close to the team, there has been a significant divide between Cousins and the team's existing quarterbacks, including 2020 first-round draft pick Jared Goff. Goff, who has a strong track record of success in the playoffs, has been vocal about his frustration with the team's quarterback situation.

Red Flags and Concerns

As the season progressed, several red flags and concerns became apparent. The Falcons' offense struggled to find consistency, and Cousins' performance was inconsistent, to say the least.

In essence, Cousins has thrown 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games, with a passer rating of 97.4.

Despite the positives, there are several areas of concern with Cousins' performance. His decision-making has been questionable at times, and he has struggled with accuracy on deep passes.

The Future of the Falcons' Quarterback Situation

As the 2022 season gets underway, the Falcons will be forced to confront the consequences of their Cousins signing. The team will need to find a way to gel as a unit and overcome the challenges posed by the quarterback position.

• The Falcons will face a tough schedule in 2022, with 5 games against NFC East opponents.

In the coming weeks and months, the Falcons will need to address the issues that have plagued their quarterback situation. If they can find a way to stabilize their quarterback position, there is hope that the team can rebound from a disappointing season.

Conclusion

The Falcons' decision to sign Kirk Cousins has proven to be a costly mistake. The team's chemistry has suffered irreparable damage, and the on-field performance has suffered as a result. As the 2022 season gets underway, the Falcons will be forced to confront the consequences of their Cousins signing. If they can find a way to stabilize their quarterback position, there is hope that the team can rebound from a disappointing season.