Atlanta Falcons’ Praised for ‘Major Upgrade’ as Best Move of NFL Free Agency

Kirk Cousins’ signing by the Atlanta Falcons has been widely praised, with some speculating that it may be the most significant NFL offseason move ever.

NFL analyst Aaron Schatz writes for ESPN, “Falcons signing QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal,” calling

Cousins’ signing the team’s largest move to date. Since quarterback is the most

crucial position in the game, improvements there will have a greater

impact than those at other positions. Cousins is a significant improvement

over Desmond Ridder. Although he does not turn the Falcons into Super Bowl

contenders, he does turn them into division favorites, giving Falcons

supporters hope for the upcoming seasons.

How Kirk Cousins Upgrades Atlanta Falcons’ offense

The Falcons assembled a formidable group of skill players before Cousins arrived, but they lacked a reliable starting quarterback who could fully realize their potential.

Prior to Ridder and Marcus Mariota at quarterback, former first-round wide receiver Drake London amassed 1,771 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions in his first two seasons.

Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson never quite shifted into gear as a rookie, particularly given former head coach and offensive play-caller Arthur Smith’s perplexing system.

The Atlanta Falcons now have a seasoned quarterback who routinely puts up big numbers in Kirk Cousins. Cousins has a career passing rating of 66.9 percent over his first 12 seasons, with 39.471 yards, 270 touchdowns, and 110 interceptions.

The Falcons are placing a large wager that Cousins will do more than just help the team return to regular postseason competition.