Kirk Cousins was the best quarterback free agent available this offseason, and the Falcons were able to land him, thanks to a massive four-year $180 million contract offer.
At receiver, Terry Fontenot added three new faces — Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore, and Ray-Ray McCloud. Heading into the offseason, the Falcons had zero NFL-caliber wide receivers on the roster behind Drake London. They had to add several pass-catchers, especially with Zac Robinson taking over the offense, who is expected to favor three wide receiver sets.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Falcons have yet to add a marquee defensive free agent. I hope that will change in the near future, but according to PFF, it doesn’t matter. The Falcons are still one of the biggest winners in free agency.
Cousins has undeniably demonstrated his status as a top-tier quarterback in the NFL, typically commanding such high figures in unrestricted free agency. However, there are concerns about his age, being 36, and recovering from a torn Achilles. Nevertheless, his impressive display at the NFL Awards suggests his rehabilitation is progressing positively.
Mooney secures a contract that acknowledges his talents despite a challenging 2023 season, reflecting an understanding that his limited production was not solely his responsibility, given the Bears’ struggles in passing yards during his rookie contract.
Despite this, Mooney consistently showcased his ability to create separation on the field. Now, he steps into the role of the second wide receiver option alongside Drake London, offering a different skill set from London and tight end Kyle Pitts. The reunion with former Bears general manager Ryan Pace, who drafted him in 2020, proves to be a mutually beneficial arrangement for all involved parties.
It would be prudent for Falcons supporters to trust Terry Fontenot’s judgment. Atlanta’s general manager has a track record of success in free agency, particularly with the more substantial contracts he has awarded to players like Jessie Bates, Kaden Elliss, and David Onyemata.
Opinions on the Cousins and Mooney deals vary widely, with some viewing them as reasonable investments while others see them as overpayments for players who haven’t consistently performed. However, perspective plays a significant role in evaluating these signings.
In acquiring Cousins, the Falcons addressed a crucial position in football with what many consider the best available option. Regardless of differing views on the contract’s value, Atlanta recognized their quarterback issue and resolved it with Cousins.
Regarding Mooney’s contract, some may argue that $13 million per year is steep for a receiver who hasn’t reached 500 yards in the past two seasons.
However, this perspective overlooks the impact of playing with Justin Fields. With Cousins onboard, Mooney is likely to receive more accurate passes and increased opportunities, potentially leading to improved production. It’s essential to note that the Falcons aren’t expecting Mooney to be a star WR1 but rather to perform as a solid WR2, which justifies the contract’s value.
Overall, aside from bolstering the EDGE defender position, Terry Fontenot has positioned the team for success as much as possible at this stage of the offseason.