Kirk Cousins leaving Vikings for 4-year deal with Falcons
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Kirk Cousins era with the Minnesota Vikings is over after six seasons, despite both sides saying after the 2023 season a return to Minnesota was possible.
His agent, Mike McCartney, confirmed on social media on Monday that Cousins has agreed to a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. It's reportedly worth as much as $180 million. Cousins and the Falcons were in conversations immediately when the NFL’s legal tampering window opened at 11 a.m.
The deal will become official Wednesday afternoon, when free agency officially starts and players can sign contracts.
According to Tom Pelissero with NFL Network, Cousins will sign a four-year, $180 million contract that includes a $50 million signing bonus. He’ll make $45 million per season. He'll make $100 million guaranteed. The Vikings were never going to give Cousins a deal of that magnitude, especially with the 35-year-old coming off a torn Achilles.
Cousins led the Vikings to a 50-37-1 record, two playoff appearances and one playoff win in his six years in Minnesota.
He was a unanimous vote as a captain by his teammates last season, and they all said after going 7-10 and missing the NFC Playoffs that they wanted Cousins to return in 2024. Defenisve captain Josh Metellus posted "Tragic." to his Twitter Monday afternoon.
Vikings and Cousins talk over weekend
Cousins reportedly had contract discussions with the Vikings over the weekend, but it's not clear how close they were to a deal.
The Vikings had made it clear all offseason they wanted Cousins back, but on a contract that worked for both sides. Cousins was leading the NFL with 2,331 passing yards and 18 touchdowns when he went down Week 8 at Green Bay with a torn Achilles. Cousins turns 36 years old in August and will be over 40 if he fully plays through the new deal.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah released a statement on Tuesday about Cousins' departure from Minnesota.
"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. 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," Adofo-Mensah said. "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 gets $100 million guaranteed from Falcons
He came to Minnesota in 2018 on a three-year, $84 million fully-guaranteed contract. Ever since coming to the Vikings, Cousins has played on guaranteed contracts. The Falcons are reportedly giving Cousins $100 million guaranteed. Between the Vikings and Washington, Cousins has made more than $230 million. If Cousins plays out the full contract, he'll have more than $400 million in career earnings.
Minnesota wanted Cousins back, but likely wasn't willing to offer multiple years of guaranteed money. The Vikings had to have a plan in place for life after Cousins, but now will likely pursue a quarterback in the NFL Draft and try to find a bridge player in free agency.
The Vikings host the Falcons in 2024 as one of their home opponents. We'll find out when that game is during the NFL schedule release in May. Atlanta became an early favorite for Cousins as his wife, Julie, is from the area, and her parents still live there.
Russini: Vikings to target Sam Darnold?
With Cousins gone, they'll have a new starting quarterback in 2024. Dianna Russini with The Athletic is reporting the Vikings could target Sam Darnold in free agency. Darnold spent this past season with the San Francisco 49ers and was the back-up to Brock Purdy. In 10 games, Darnold threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns.
He spent his first three seasons with the New York Jets, and has 56 career starts.
NFL free agency key dates
Source: NFL
Q. When does the 2024 free agency signing period begin?
A. At 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 13.
Q. When is the two-day negotiating period for potential unrestricted free agents?
A. From 12:00 p.m. ET on Monday, March 11 until 3:59:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 13, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon expiration of their 2023 player contracts at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 13. The two-day negotiating period applies only to prospective unrestricted free agents. It does not apply to players who have received, or who may receive, a required tender applicable to the 2024 League Year (e.g., exclusive rights players, restricted free agents, franchise players or transition players).
Q. What is the time period for free agency signings this year?
A. For restricted free agents, from March 13 to April 19.
For unrestricted free agents who have received a tender from their prior club by the Monday immediately following the final day of the NFL Draft for the 2024 League Year (i.e., April 29), from March 13 to July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later).
For franchise players, from March 13 until the Tuesday following Week 10 of the regular season, November 12.
For transition players, from March 13 until July 22. After July 22 and until 4 p.m. ET on the Tuesday following Week 10 of the regular season, November 12, the prior club has exclusive negotiating rights to unrestricted free agents and transition players. If the above-listed players do not sign by November 12, they must sit out the season.
New NFL salary cap
Q. What is the salary cap for 2024?
A. The salary cap is $255,400,000 per club.
Q. When must teams be in compliance with the salary cap?
A. At the start of the 2024 League Year, which begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 13.