The Atlanta Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins away from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, but there was no bad blood between the two parties. Cousins wanted a four-year deal and the Vikings wouldn’t budge.
While Minnesota wanted to bring the veteran QB back, the team also wanted to go in a younger direction and take a quarterback early in the draft. Cousins ultimately chose the better deal in Atlanta and the Vikings moved on.
With the Falcons set to face off against the Vikings this Sunday, Cousins will return to the city where he played the last six seasons. When asked about returning to Minnesota, Cousins summed his feelings with one word: “gratitude.”
Kirk Cousins said the main emotion he feels returning to Minnesota to face the Vikings is “gratitude.”
Gratitude to the organization for giving him a chance to be their QB for so long, for the help in the wake of his Achilles injury, etc.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 4, 2024
“When I arrived there as a free agent, they took a chance on me,” said Cousins. “Ownership took a chance. The organization did.”
Cousins also credited the training staff in Minnesota for helping him through his Achilles injury last season.
“The support staff, from nutrition, weight room, equipment and training crew, they really got me through my Achilles tear and were just on it the moment I tore it until I left in free agency.”
The Falcons were happy to land Cousins in free agency but the quarterback hit a rough patch after a red-hot October. Entering Week 14, Atlanta has lost three straight, and Cousins has thrown six interceptions without a touchdown pass in those games.
Head coach Raheem Morris has maintained confidence in Cousins as the starting quarterback, but the 36-year-old must find a way to get back on track.
Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET inside Minnesota’s T.D. Bank Stadium. Check out the team’s latest depth chart and injury report entering Week 14.