Kirk Cousins' signing with the Atlanta Falcons is viewed as one of the worst quarterback contracts in NFL history, resulting in a 12-10 record over 24 games. After being released, Cousins commented on his fit with the team, suggesting he prioritized the team's best interests.
The Atlanta Falcons' signing of Kirk Cousins two years ago will go down as one of the worst quarterback contracts in recent NFL history. Despite being 35 years old and coming off a significant injury, Atlanta signed him to a four-year, $180 million max deal that turned heads around the league.
Cousins went on to play just 24 games with the Falcons, posting a 12-10 record as a starter with 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. For his efforts, Cousins collected a cool $100 million before he was released.
Cousins recently made his first public comments since signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, and it's just more proof that he was the wrong fit for Atlanta all along. Here's the relevant portion of what he said, H/T Blogging Dirty.
"I think we all want to play, but I made this clear to Klint (Kubiak) that the best player needs to play. If that's not me, I don't want to be out there. I don't think that's the best thing for the team. If I am the best option, then I believe it's important that those guys are out there."
This may sound like an unselfish vet volunteering to do what's best for the team, but if you read between the lines you'll see the subtle shot at the Falcons organization. From our vantage point, Cousins is effectively saying that he was the best option at QB in Atlanta, and therefore he should have been starting all along rather than giving Michael Penix Jr. the chance to grow on the field.
Cousins may still believe he's the best quarterback option for the Raiders, even after they take Indiana's Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall next week in the NFL draft. However, even if Cousins is right in assuming he's their best chance to win - it serves the organization better if he takes a step back and focuses on helping Mendoza develop.
While the dead money hit the Falcons are taking stings, they are better off without Cousins muddying the picture at QB. Assuming Penix is eventually healthy enough to take all the reps, we should be treated to a genuine QB competition between him and Tua Tagovailoa over the summer.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons dodged bullet getting rid of Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins posted a 12-10 record as a starter with the Atlanta Falcons.
Kirk Cousins earned $100 million during his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons before being released.
Kirk Cousins indicated that he prioritized the team's success and believed that if he wasn't the best player, he shouldn't be on the field, highlighting a disconnect with the Falcons' needs.
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