The Falcons' determination to bring Cousins to their team was evident as they committed to a four-year contract and guaranteed him a whopping $100 million.

The decision by the Falcons to pursue Cousins aggressively stems from their desire to regain relevance in the NFL. With a young and promising roster, Atlanta has struggled to make the playoffs for the past six years, leaving team owner Arthur Blank and general manager Terry Fontenot eager to inject new life into their squad.

On the other hand, the Vikings had been evaluating Cousins on a year-to-year basis and were hesitant to tie themselves down with a long-term commitment. Although Cousins played a valuable role in making the team competitive, he was unable to propel them past certain hurdles, leaving Minnesota with doubts about his ability to lead the team to a championship.

Furthermore, the Vikings also had concerns about Cousins' age and recent injury history, as he is now 35 years old and recovering from a torn Achilles. These factors played a significant role in their reluctance to offer him an exorbitant contract.

However, the Falcons recognized the wide-open race in the NFC and identified Cousins as the missing piece that could place them at the forefront. Reports suggest that Atlanta was willing to go to any lengths necessary to secure Cousins, cementing their desperation to return to playoff contention.

Ultimately, the Falcons' offer surpassed the Vikings' threshold. While the Vikings proposed a multi-year deal with guaranteed money in the second year, Atlanta's offer included an additional full year of guaranteed salary. This key difference proved decisive in securing Cousins for the Falcons.

With $100 million in guarantees, the Falcons must now rely on Cousins for at least two years. Although some guarantees are in place for the third year, Atlanta has the flexibility to potentially part ways with Cousins if needed. In contrast, the Vikings were seeking an option for an early exit after just one season.

The acquisition of Kirk Cousins is a major coup for the Falcons, who avoided another year of uncertainty at the quarterback position. As the Vikings turn their focus towards maximizing a flexible future, it remains to be seen how Cousins will fare with his new team.

The NFL community eagerly awaits the start of the upcoming season to witness the impact of this high-stakes move. Will Cousins lead the Falcons back to the playoffs and restore their relevance, or will Minnesota's hesitation turn out to be a blessing in disguise? Only time will tell.

(Photo Credit: Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire