Playing football games by itself did not make the NFL the most potent entertainment machine in America. This year
is no exception to the rule that the league’s free agency and draft seasons are virtually as big of a cultural
extravaganza as anything that takes place from September to February.
Numerous high-priced starting quarterbacks are switching organizations. One of the best running backs in the game
has made the decision to travel from New York to Eastern Pennsylvania by way of Interstate 95 south. After going
years without a win, the Atlanta Falcons attempted to regain their relevance. And the season of 2024 took on an
entirely new form. These are the top five most notable and impactful decisions that clubs have made thus far.
Although Cousins is far superior to the dregs that many teams use, he will never be confused for one of the NFL’s
finest quarterbacks. Cousins has shown he is skilled at getting paid, consistently ranking in the top half of the league
in a variety of passing metrics. He departed Minnesota at the age of 35 in exchange for a $100 million guaranteed
contract with the Falcons, who want to start Cousins for at least two and possibly as long as four seasons. A
fascinating set of skill position players, including tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London, and tailback Bijan
Robinson, should benefit greatly from Cousins’ arrival. Cousins is a huge upgrade over previous starter Desmond
Ridder.
The Vikings are now stuck with no quarterbacks. Sam Darnold, a former quarterback for the Jets and 49ers who
hasn’t really stood out since being chosen third overall in 2018, is the player they selected. Maybe they’ll select a
different quarterback in April, but the 11th pick might not be early enough to select Cousins’ long-term replacement.
Because there is such a dearth of quality at the most crucial position in the league, Cousins—who is in his mid-30s
and recently had an Achilles tear that ended his season—can still command such a large salary. Atlanta is now a
threat in the rotting NFC South.
