Does Kirk Cousins ​​still feel Atlanta’s commitment?

The Minnesota Vikings were expected to turn over a new leaf at quarterback this offseason, and they did, bringing back Kirk Cousins. Ultimately, they decided not to match the crazy offer from the Atlanta Falcons, but Cousins ​​spoke of a level of commitment that made him happy in his new home.

Does Kirk Cousins ​​still feel Atlanta’s commitment?

Guarantees are the name of the game when it comes to NFL contracts, and Minnesota just wasn’t willing to go as far as Atlanta. Cousins ​​noted that the Vikings’ offer amounting to something like a one-year deal made him less inclined to stay, and Atlanta’s sense of commitment lit up his warm fuzzies.

Then the NFL Draft happened.

It’s not so much that the Falcons nabbed Michael Penix. Had Cousins ​​stayed in Minnesota, that could have been a likely outcome as well. The way they did it, however, raised questions about what kind of organization he was joining. Not informing him until the final minutes and somewhat pulling the rug out from under him is not something Cousins ​​has ever experienced with the Vikings.

While playing for the purple, Minnesota was always ahead with their signal-caller. Although his contracts were generally short-term in recent seasons, he continued to be paid handsomely and had a good look at the roster. He took it step for step with head coach Kevin O’Connell, and there was never a time when Minnesota didn’t feel like it had a partnership with the most important player.

Having only played for two franchises before, and one before Minnesota that was notoriously mismanaged, it’s worth wondering if Cousins ​​still has the warm fuzzies in Atlanta. He had a good thing in Minnesota, and the Falcons quickly reminded him that they don’t run the same way at the first opportunity.

There’s no reason to believe Cousins ​​will ever be completely transparent about his decision-making process. There’s really no benefit to him in doing so. That said, it does have to sting a bit to go from something so predictable and comfortable to a whole new set of settings and have them change in the blink of an eye.

The two teams will meet in 2024, setting up a matchup not to be missed.

Ted Schwerzler is a Twin Cities blogger focusing on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He is active on Twitter and writes every week for Everyday twins. As a former college athlete and sports fan, covering our professional teams with passion always seemed like such a natural outlet.