The Atlanta Falcons recently faced scrutiny as two of their prominent free-agent signings, quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., were named among the 50 worst contracts in NFL history by Bleacher Report. Both players represented significant financial investments but failed to deliver the expected impact, casting doubt on the franchise’s decision-making in free agency.
Analysis of Kirk Cousins’ $180 Million Contract and Its Fallout
Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons before the 2024 season, including $100 million guaranteed. Despite initial optimism surrounding the deal, it garnered the 17th spot on Bleacher Report’s list of poor NFL contracts. The Falcons’ desire for a dependable quarterback was evident after neither Desmond Ridder nor Taylor Heinicke managed to surpass 3,000 passing yards or 12 touchdown passes in the previous season.
“At the time, the deal didn’t seem outrageous,”
Bleacher Report’s staff explained.
Cousins missed over half of the 2023 season due to an Achilles injury, but in 2022, he threw for over 4,500 yards, led the Vikings to 13 wins and made the Pro Bowl for the fourth time.
Shortly after Cousins’ arrival, the Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a decision that complicated the situation and led Cousins to express feeling “misled.” Despite early success posting a 6-3 record and leading the NFC South by two games after nine matches, Cousins’ performance later deteriorated. According to reports, tensions with the coaching staff arose when Cousins was benched ahead of Week 15’s game against the New York Giants after allegedly concealing an injury.
Following this, the Falcons won only one out of five games, and Cousins’ playing time dwindled. He returned briefly in 2025 only after Penix sustained injuries but is now expected to be released imminently. The massive contract for just nine effective games reinforces this signing’s reputation as one of the NFL’s most regrettable free-agent moves.
Evaluation of Dante Fowler Jr.’s Contract and On-Field Performance
Placed 45th on the list, Dante Fowler Jr.’s three-year, $45 million contract with $29 million guaranteed, signed ahead of the 2020 season, also failed to meet expectations. The Falcons anticipated Fowler would strengthen their pass rush and viewed him as an ideal schematic fit under then-head coach Dan Quinn.
“Fowler projected to be a good fit in head coach Dan Quinn’s defense since he was a versatile edge-rusher who could line up with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end and outside linebacker,”
Bleacher Report noted.
Despite an impressive 11.5-sack campaign with the Los Angeles Rams before joining Atlanta, Fowler managed only three sacks in 14 games during his first season with the Falcons, contributing to a pass rush that ranked 23rd in the league with just 29 sacks. Although he slightly improved to 4.5 sacks in his second year, Fowler eventually lost his starting position under new head coach Arthur Smith.
“Ironically, Fowler reunited with Quinn in Dallas and Washington, and he recorded 10.5 sacks with the Commanders in 2024. Atlanta paid the highest price for him but got the least amount of production.”
Fowler’s later success elsewhere highlights the missed opportunity for the Falcons, underscoring how even promising player acquisitions can fail due to scheme fit or other factors.
What the Falcons’ Struggles Reveal About Free-Agent Risks
The Falcons’ experiences with Cousins and Fowler illustrate the inherent unpredictability of major free-agent acquisitions in the NFL. Despite thorough evaluation and high expectations, injuries, team dynamics, and coaching changes can drastically impact player performance and value. Both signings ended up costing the Falcons financially without offering the intended boost to their roster, amplifying concerns about future free-agent investments.
As the Falcons approach the next stages of their roster-building strategy, these cautionary examples may influence how aggressively the team pursues pricey free agents. The ongoing pressure to improve in a competitive NFC South division adds urgency to making better-informed personnel decisions moving forward.
