Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Kirk Cousins’ time with the Atlanta Falcons officially ended weeks ago. The veteran quarterback has found his new team since being released, signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Cousins’ signing with the Raiders became official on April 6, the team announced on its social media accounts.
“Hey Raider Nation, this is Kirk Cousins. Just signed today. It’s been exciting to get around the facility to meet some of my new teammates. Thrilled to be able to wear the silver and black and be a part of the pride and tradition of the Raiders. Look forward to seeing you next fall at Allegiant Stadium,” Cousins said.
After landing with his new team, the Falcons also took to social media to thank Cousins for his contributions. But considering how his time in Atlanta may be viewed, it was an odd choice by the Falcons.
Falcons’ Social Media Post for Kirk Cousins Raises Questions
The Falcons’ social media account sent out a picture with Cousins that said “Thank You” within the image, along with the caption, “Thank you for swag surfing with us, Kirko.”
While this was likely meant to be a simple courtesy, not everyone viewed it that way.
92.9 The Game’s Mark Zinno called it a “strange post.”
“Strange post here. Who really thought this was a good idea?” Zinno asked. “Thanks for signing a $180 million dollar deal. Thanks for being gracious about us not telling you we were drafting your replacement. Thanks for lying about your injury and then blasting the team for it after the season was over. Thanks for 1 TD and 9 INTs down the stretch and missing the playoffs. Thanks for taking your benching well. Thanks for playing decent after the guy we benched you for got hurt and after we were officially eliminated from the playoffs. Thanks for only taking $100 million of the $180 million dollar contract after we cut you. But yeah … ‘thanks.’ Such a strange post.”
Cousins was signed by the Falcons in 2024 with the expectation he would be the franchise quarterback for the next four years. Instead, he found out during that year’s draft that the team was selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall.
The result was that Cousins would only spend two years in Atlanta, going 12-10 as a starter, throwing for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Oh, and the Falcons still paying a majority of his salary this season, despite signing with the Raiders.
More: Kirk Cousins’ Raiders Deal Uncovers Contract Loophole, Falcons Left Paying.
Kirk Cousins Admits Falcons Situation Caught Him Off Guard
Cousins admitted he felt “a little bit misled” after the Falcons drafted Penix.
“Certainly, if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would’ve affected my decision,” Cousins said last July. “I had no reason to leave Minnesota with how much we loved it there if both teams are going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I’ve also learned in 12 years in this league that you’re not entitled to anything. It’s all about being able to earn your spot and prove yourself.”
Now, Cousins will enter a familiar setting in Las Vegas, although without the element of surprise this time.
It’s well-known that the Raiders are expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
Maybe that’s the difference this time — that his role is more defined. That, and that he’ll be 38 by the beginning of the season and coming off one of the worst stretches of his career.