Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins could revive the franchise, but there are a few reasons why he may just be another footnote.

The Atlanta Falcons are one of the biggest winners in free agency by signing the league’s top available quarterback in Kirk Cousins.

There’s no doubt that Cousins is a good quarterback, but is he a perfect solution? No. In fact, there are quite a few red flags the Falcons and other teams should take into consideration before signing him.

Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

First and foremost, there’s the simple fact that Cousins will be 36 by the time next season kicks off. So while he’s a good option for a team looking for a short-term boost under center, Cousins is definitely not a suitable long-term option at the position. The Falcons likely fall more into the former category, but they’ll still need to find an heir to Cousins sooner than later.

Secondly, and going hand-in-hand with the previous point, is that Cousins is coming off a major Achilles injury he suffered halfway through last season. It likely goes without saying, but putting all your faith in a quarterback who’s near the end of his career and coming off a major injury is always a risk (take note, Jets). While Cousins was playing some of the best football of his career before his injury, it remains to be seen how he will play after it.

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Finally, there’s the fact that Cousins has won just one playoff game despite being a starter for nearly a decade now. For a team like the Falcons, who are seemingly only a quarterback away from competing, there’s no doubt that Cousins’ lack of postseason success is a concern. To be fair, though, that playoff win coming in an upset over the New Orleans Saints probably earned him some fans in Atlanta.

It will only be a matter of time before we find out if the four-year, $180 million contract will be worth it or not. But it’s very simple. Win and it’s worth it. Anything else … and it’s money wasted.