QB Kirk Cousins leaving Vikings for 4-year deal with Falcons - ESPN

The Atlanta Falcons have finally solved their franchise quarterback issues.

The club agreed to terms on a four-year deal with former Minnesota Vikings free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins on Monday, according to his agent, Mike McCartney.

A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Cousins' deal is worth $180 million ($45 million per season), including $100 million guaranteed.

«After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, we were unable to reach agreement on a contract that fits the short- and long-term visions for both Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings,» Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. «Kirk holds a special place in Vikings history, and we appreciate his leadership and contributions to the team and the Minneapolis-St. Paul community over the past six seasons. We wish him; his wife, Julie; and their children all the best. Our approach heading into free agency always included layers of contingencies regarding the quarterback position. We are moving forward with plans that allow us to continue building a roster that can compete for a championship.»

Cousins joins an offense which includes several players who were taken in the first round. The Falcons have three first-round offensive linemen — left tackle Jake Matthews, right tackle Kaleb McGary and two-time Pro Bowler Chris Lindstrom at right guard. He also has Atlanta's last three first-round picks — tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson — as skill position players with which to work.

Atlanta agreeing to terms with Cousins should put an end the team's multiyear pursuit of finding a replacement for 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan, whom the team traded to the Indianapolis Colts before the 2022