The 35-year-old was the most sought-after free agent quarterback on the market, making his move to Atlanta a highly anticipated one.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero revealed that sources informed him about the details of the deal, stating that Cousins' contract is worth a staggering $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed. This means that Cousins will earn an average of $45 million per year, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.

Both Cousins and the Vikings had expressed interest in reaching a new deal this offseason, but unfortunately, the two sides were unable to come to an agreement. This leaves the Vikings in an unfamiliar position as they search for a franchise quarterback, something they haven't done since February of 2018.

Jaren Hall, a fifth-round pick in 2023, remains on the Vikings' roster, along with Nick Mullens, but neither has instilled confidence during their limited starting time last season. It is likely that the Vikings will explore options in the upcoming draft or the veteran quarterback market to bolster their depth chart. However, with the 11th pick in the draft, the Vikings may have difficulty landing the top quarterback prospects, such as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels, without trading up.

On the free agency front, the Vikings could potentially consider quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Ryan Tannehill, Jacoby Brissett, and Gardner Minshew as alternatives to Cousins. Additionally, the recent release of Russell Wilson by the Denver Broncos places him in the market as a potential option if the Vikings decide to pursue him.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah released a statement following reports of Cousins' deal with the Falcons, thanking Cousins for his contributions to the team. During his six years with the Vikings, Cousins proved his worth, averaging nearly 3,900 passing yards, 28.5 touchdowns, and 9.2 interceptions per season. He ranks third in franchise history in passing yardage and second in passing touchdowns. Additionally, Cousins showcased his durability, with last season being the only one in which he missed significant time due to an Achilles injury.

Cousins initially joined the Vikings in 2018 when he signed a three-year, $84 million contract after playing on the franchise tag for two years in Washington. He signed an extension with the Vikings in 2020 and yet another in 2022. Despite Cousins' contributions, the Vikings were only able to secure one NFC North title during his tenure and won just one playoff game.

As Cousins sets his sights on a new chapter with the Atlanta Falcons, the Minnesota Vikings will embark on a search for their next franchise quarterback, hoping to find a leader who can guide them to success on the field.