Why Kirk Cousins moved on from Vikings before being blindsided by Falcons

The Vikings had wandering eyes.

And Kirk Cousins decided he needed to end the relationship.

Cousins opted to sign with the Falcons over the Vikings this offseason in part since Minnesota let him know it planned to draft his replacement high in the 2024 Draft, according to Sports Illustrated .

Minnesota ultimately selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th pick, while the Falcons shockingly selected Cousins’ potential replacement in Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8.

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That Cousins walked into the situation he tried to avoid proved to be a stroke of bad luck for the quarterback, although he at least has $100 million guaranteed owed to him in his four-year Falcons deal.

Minnesota and Atlanta emerged as the reported two suitors for Cousins, and two factors helped separate the Falcons from the incumbent team.

While Minnesota can be commended for being upfront with Cousins about its plans, it they wanted to find its future quarterback — regardless if he stayed — apparently sent the wrong message.

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Cousins, coming off an Achilles tendon injury, seemingly wanted to be wanted, instead of being a placeholder for a college prospect.

Atlanta clearly did no such thing since Cousins and his camp were stunned that Atlanta made the draft’s most polarizing pick on his eventual replacement.

Now, the Falcons have that potential drama to deal with this upcoming season while they attempt to return to the playoffs.

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The other factor, like most things in life, had to do with money.

Minnesota played stingy with guaranteed money with the 35-year-old’s contract, reportedly being unwilling to guarantee the second year of a deal.

“Cousins figured that, if he stayed, there was a good shot that he’d be on the move in 2025,” Sports Illustrated reported.

The Falcons ultimately guaranteed $100 of the $180 million contract.

At least Cousins will receive a nice payday when the Falcons ultimately hand the reins to Penix.

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