Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, ending his six-year run with the Minnesota Vikings.

Many expected Cousins to return to the Vikings, but as time passed, it became more and more obvious that Cousins’ tenure in Minnesota was coming to an end.

So, why did Cousins leave the Vikings?

Obviously, money was a big issue, but Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed another reason: Minnesota told Cousins it would be drafting his replacement.

The Vikings did just that, selecting University of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick of the NFL Draft late last month.

Ironically enough, the Falcons did the same thing. The difference is, they weren’t transparent.

A month-and-a-half after inking Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal that featured $100 million in guaranteed money, Atlanta took University of Washington signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick of the draft.

Cousins knew nothing about the Falcons’ strategy until the pick was made, and Cousins’ agent said that he was taken back by Atlanta’s decision.

Of course, the Falcons still paid Cousins a hefty sum of cash, an amount the Vikings probably would not have given the four-time Pro Bowler had he chosen to stay in Minnesota.

Cousins made three Pro Bowl appearances during his time with the Vikings and appeared well on his way to a fourth this past year, but he tore his Achilles midway through the season.

Through eight games in 2023, the soon-to-be-36-year-old threw for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions.

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