Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins Deal: A Year Later, Do They Really Owe Him A Mega-Extension?

The Atlanta Falcons have been under intense scrutiny since they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $84 million contract extension in March 2021. At the time, the deal was considered one of the most puzzling and overly generous contracts in the NFL. As the calendar flips to the second year of the extension, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: did the Falcons make a massive mistake in doling out so much money to their quarterback?

Cousins' extension has been a topic of heated debate among NFL enthusiasts, with some arguing that the deal is a clever way to buy Cousins' continuity and stability, while others believe that the Falcons have overpaid for a quarterback who has never truly lived up to his full potential in Atlanta. As the NFL's 2022 season approaches, it's time to take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding Cousins' deal and assess whether the Falcons truly owe him a mega-extension.

Understanding the Context of Cousins' Extension

When the Falcons signed Cousins to his extension, they were making a statement about their commitment to stability and consistency at the quarterback position. Cousins, who was entering the prime years of his career, had already established himself as one of the league's top quarterbacks in Washington, where he threw for over 4,500 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2020.

At the time, the Falcons were looking to build a more sustainable winning culture, and Cousins' stability and experience were seen as key components of that effort. The deal, which included a $25 million signing bonus and a $20 million roster bonus, was widely criticized for being too generous, with some analysts estimating that Cousins would earn around $20-22 million per year under the contract.

The Implications of Cousins' Extension

The implications of Cousins' extension go far beyond the on-field performance of the quarterback. The deal sets a precedent for how NFL teams approach quarterback contracts, with many teams following the Falcons' lead in offering long-term deals to their starting signal-callers.

However, this trend has also led to a shortage of quarterback talent on the free agent market, making it increasingly difficult for teams to find suitable replacements when their starters enter the free agent period.

The Falcons' Philosophy on Quarterback Contracts

The Falcons' approach to quarterback contracts is rooted in their desire to build a winning culture and establish stability at the position. However, this philosophy has also led to criticism that the team is willing to overpay its quarterbacks in order to ensure continuity.

This criticism is compounded by the fact that Cousins has not consistently performed at an elite level in Atlanta, despite being surrounded by talented receiving corps and a stout defense. As a result, some fans are beginning to question whether the Falcons' investment in Cousins was truly worth it.

Assessing the On-Field Performance of Cousins

Cousins' on-field performance has been a major topic of discussion since his arrival in Atlanta. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, including a strong start to the 2021 season, he has also struggled at times, particularly against top-tier defenses.

In 2021, Cousins threw for 4,236 yards and 26 touchdowns, but also threw 15 interceptions. While these numbers are respectable, they are not indicative of the kind of elite quarterback play that many fans expected from Cousins in Atlanta.

The Role of the Falcons' Offense

The Falcons' offense has also been a factor in Cousins' on-field performance. With a talented receiving corps led by Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage, Cousins has had the opportunity to work with some of the league's top receivers.

However, the Falcons' offense has also been hindered by issues on the ground, including a struggling running game and poor pass protection. As a result, Cousins has often been forced to throw from bad positions, which has led to sacks and interceptions.

The Importance of Quarterback Play in Atlanta

Atlanta's football culture is built around the quarterback position, and Cousins has been expected to be the team's primary playmaker. However, the team's decision to surround him with talented receivers and a stout defense has made it difficult for him to take over games on his own.

As a result, Cousins' performance has been more dependent on the surrounding offense and defense than on his own individual talent. This has led some to question whether the Falcons made a mistake in overpaying for a quarterback who may not be the true leader of the team.

Do the Falcons Owe Cousins a Mega-Extension?

As the second year of Cousins' extension approaches, it's clear that the team's investment in him has not yet paid off on the field. However, the question remains whether the Falcons truly owe him a mega-extension.

Cousins has already earned around $20-22 million in salary and roster bonuses under the contract, and he is expected to earn an additional $10-15 million in the third year. While this may seem like a significant amount, it's worth noting that Cousins is still in his mid-30s and has several years of prime production left in him.

The Case for Cousins' Mega-Extension

The case for Cousins' mega-extension is centered around the idea that he is still a key component of the Falcons' long-term success. Despite his on-field performance, Cousins remains a respected quarterback in the league, and his presence has helped to stabilize the team's offense.

Additionally, the Falcons' failure to find a suitable replacement for Cousins has limited the team's ability to make a move in free agency or the draft. As a result, the team may be forced to continue investing in Cousins in order to maintain stability at the quarterback position.

The Case Against Cousins' Mega-Extension

On the other hand, the case against Cousins' mega-extension is centered around the idea that he has not yet proven himself as a