Could we see Bill Belichick and Kirk Cousins pair up in Atlanta?
After scheduling a second interview with the former Patriots head coach for this weekend, the Falcons are the favorite to land the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach.
NFL insider Josina Anderson confirmed the Falcons are the leading team to sign Belichick.
Barring a snag in negotiations or a future development (still have to get a signature), I’m expecting Bill Belichick to become the next head coach of the NFC South* Atlanta Falcons. His previous rapport with #Falcons CEO Rich McKay creates comfort he can’t mimic in any other… https://t.co/lnVHs88mHK
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 18, 2024
In a recent interview with CBS Sports writer Isabel Gonzalez, Vikings quarterback Cousins, a 2024 unrestricted free agent, was receptive to the idea of linking up with the third-most winningest coach in NFL history.
I talked to Kirk Cousins this week and he shared his thoughts on Bill Belichick:
“… you know he is usually going to break the mold and do something different, and that's probably what has made him a great coach."
I asked Cousins if he would ever play for Belichick… pic.twitter.com/HRNBpfHEKn
— Isabel Gonzalez (@cisabelg) January 18, 2024
“I’m not gonna turn down an opportunity to play with a future Hall of Fame coach, but we’ll have to see where March leads. It’s just a lot of unknowns right now,” said Cousins.
If Atlanta hires Belichick, he will need a veteran quarterback to get the Falcons to the playoffs. The Falcons could trade up to draft a quarterback, but that not only goes against how Belichick operates, there is also no guarantee it would work.
While Belichick got to the postseason with Mac Jones as a rookie in 2021, that Patriots team wasn’t a serious threat to win a Super Bowl. And the less said about the past two seasons, the better.
Cousins is a known commodity who was having arguably his best season in 2023 before tearing his Achilles, completing 69.5% of his attempts while averaging 291.4 yards per game with 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
There are concerns about the 35-year-old quarterback’s ability to come up big in the playoffs, but he would give the Falcons a better chance of winning a Super Bowl next season than a rookie would with Belichick.
Atlanta was much improved defensively this season and has talented young offensive playmakers including wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson.
Of course, Cousins was in a good position in Minnesota with the best wide receiver in football, Justin Jefferson, as well as promising rookie wideout Jordan Addison. The Vikings defense was also much improved under first-year coordinator Brian Flores.
The NFC South is extremely winnable next season, but Belichick needs a quarterback if he ultimately ends up in Atlanta. Based on Cousins’ comments, the veteran can at least be expected to listen if he receives a call from a 678 area code and Belichick is on the other line.
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