Atlanta Falcons QB Ranked Worst Free Agent Deal in History

Kirk Cousins' four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons named the worst free agent signing ever by BetMGM.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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According to a report from BetMGM, the Atlanta Falcons' four-year, $180 million contract with quarterback Kirk Cousins has been ranked the worst free agent deal in NFL history. Cousins struggled mightily during his two seasons with the Falcons, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, and the team plans to release him before the new league year.

Why it matters

The Falcons' disastrous signing of Cousins highlights the risks and challenges teams face in free agency, where high-priced contracts for underperforming players can cripple a franchise for years. This ranking also serves as a cautionary tale for teams considering big-money deals for veteran quarterbacks in the future.

The details

Cousins signed with the Falcons in 2024 after seven solid seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. However, his tenure in Atlanta was a failure, as he threw 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in just 22 games. Cousins led the league in interceptions in 2024 and was benched in Week 14 that season. In 2025, he took over after the Falcons' first-round pick, Michael Penix, suffered a season-ending injury, but Cousins only managed 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

  • Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in 2024.
  • In 2024, Cousins led the league in interceptions and was benched in Week 14.
  • In 2025, Cousins took over after Penix's injury and threw 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 but struggled mightily during his two seasons with the team.

Michael Penix

The Falcons' first-round draft pick in 2024 who suffered a season-ending injury in 2025, leading to Cousins taking over as the starting quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“Kirk Cousins' agent belongs in the Hall of Fame”

— BetMGM (Twitter)

What’s next

The Falcons stated they intend to release Cousins by the start of the new league year.

The takeaway

The Falcons' disastrous signing of Kirk Cousins serves as a cautionary tale for teams considering big-money deals for veteran quarterbacks in free agency, as high-priced contracts for underperforming players can cripple a franchise for years.