Kirk Cousins’ Exit Was Shadier Than We Thought
Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) shown during Minicamp at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images.
Remember when the Minnesota Vikings divorced Kirk Cousins 16 months ago?
Kirk Cousins’ exit from the Vikings wasn’t just a typical free agency departure. It was mired by ridiculousness and then some.
The team said goodbye to Cousins after six seasons, as the veteran passer chased the largest satchel of cash available, signing with the Atlanta Falcons for $180 million over four years.
Yet, since that moment, his time in Atlanta has been sullied by controversy and shenanigans.
Kirk Cousins in Atlanta Has Been a Trainwreck
From tampering to misleading, Cousins might regret skedaddling.
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) takes a snap against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
First, There Was Tampering
Cousins accidentally let the cat out of the bag during his introductory press conference with the Falcons, telling the whole world that Atlanta’s brass contacted him about a free-agent contract before he was legally eligible.
That’s how the Cousins Era started in Atlanta. Full stop.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote last summer, “The Falcons have been investigated for the contact they may or may not have had with then-free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins before he signed with Atlanta. The Eagles have been investigated for the contact they may or may not have had with then-free agent running back Saquon Barkley.”
“The NFL has spoken to various members of both organizations. One league source indicated that the Falcons’ alleged transgressions are considered more significant, and the discipline is expected to be more severe for Atlanta. In the past, the league has taken tampering seriously and disciplined teams accordingly.”
So, to keep your scorecards straight: The Falcons tampered with Cousins, and he inadvertently spilled the beans. On himself.
The Tampering Penalty
The result of TamperGate? A lost 5th-Round pick and major fine.
