The deal, set to be signed on Wednesday, is worth a staggering $180 million, with a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed, marking a significant upgrade for the Falcons' quarterback position.

Cousins, whose tenure with the Minnesota Vikings was met with mixed reviews, brings a wealth of experience to the Falcons. Over the course of his six seasons with the Vikings, Cousins amassed impressive stats, throwing for 23,265 yards and 171 touchdowns. His consistent performance earned him three Pro Bowl selections and provided the Vikings with stability at the quarterback position.

However, despite his statistical success, Cousins has faced criticism for his inability to guide his teams to deep playoff runs. This new opportunity with the Falcons, under the leadership of head coach Raheem Morris, presents Cousins with a chance to silence his critics and earn the playoff success he has been seeking.

The Falcons, who have struggled in recent years, are in a favorable position for Cousins to make an immediate impact. The team boasts a talented roster, including top-10 draft pick running back Bijan Robinson, standout wide receiver Drake London, and rookie tight end Kyle Pitts, who achieved the rare feat of surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in his debut season.

Under the previous regime, the Falcons had been criticized for underutilizing their offensive talent. With Morris now at the helm, there is renewed hope that Cousins will be able to maximize the potential of his teammates and lead the Falcons to success in the weak NFC South division.

However, there are still uncertainties surrounding Cousins' future performance. Last season, the quarterback suffered a major injury, tearing his Achilles tendon in a game against the Green Bay Packers. As he approaches 36 years of age, questions arise as to whether Cousins can fully recover and maintain his high level of play.

Nonetheless, the Falcons' decision to sign Cousins highlights their belief in his abilities and the commitment to building a competitive team. If Cousins can replicate his strong performance prior to his injury, it could provide a significant boost to the entire Falcons' offense.

As Cousins embarks on his third NFL team, this opportunity in Atlanta could shape his legacy in the league. With the potential to lead the Falcons to a division title in the weak NFC South, Cousins has a chance to prove his detractors wrong and solidify his standing as a top-tier quarterback in the NFL.

Overall, this monumental deal underscores Cousins' value as a seasoned quarterback in the league, and the Falcons' bold move signifies their determination to reignite the team's success. Only time will tell if this union will propel both Cousins and the Falcons to new heights.