ATLANTA — Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to become an Atlanta Falcon, after reaching an agreement with the team on Monday.
Under the NFL free agency system, he can't officially sign until Wednesday, but his agent announced the move and 11Alive's Maria Martin confirmed details of the agreement.
Local fans were largely optimistic about the deal to bring in the four-time Pro Bowler, who has led the Minnesota Vikings to three playoff appearances in the last six seasons.
But what about everyone else? First let's start with the serious analyses.
Hometeam Brandon Leak of 680 The Fan joined 11Alive Sports Extra on Sunday night and predicted this move, saying it would give the Falcons "someone that can process information, someone who can make the throws, the leadership qualities, and being able to guide a team in different possessions and progressions."
There were other endorsements of the move from national analysts after the news broke Monday.
NFL Network's Jason McCourty said the Falcons got "the best available quarterback on the market."
"You feel as though you're one quarterback away from truly competing, especially in that division. Because now kirk cousins walks in and he's the best quarterback there in the NFC South," McCourty said. "Coming off an injury, yes, I know that, but for these guys -- you gotta think about it. You mention the names Kyle Pitts and Drake London and Bijan Robinson, they gotta be ecstatic."
ESPN's Dan Orlovsky said for Atlanta, "I absolutely love this."
"Atlanta was one of those teams all last season, this team's good enough to get to the playoffs and their quarterback play just kept keeping them short," Orlovsky said. "This is a team that has a very good offensive line, Bijan Robinson going into his second year, the young man out of Texas, they can run the football. I think Drake London... is going to be a superstar, superstar, with Kirk Cousins. And the reality is the Atlanta Falcons now can contend in that division."
"He's going in there, he'll spin the ball. They're gonna win some games, he's Atlanta suited, with Raheem Morris back in town, and Arthur Blank reinvesting in the team," Pat McAfee said. "...Are the Atlanta Falcons with Kirk Cousins playoff bound? Super Bowl bound? We shall see."
Meanwhile Atlanta luminaries gave it their endorsement. Quavo wrote on Instagram: "We having plenty chains down here ice em out Kirk Frost!!!" And Hawks star Trae Young was welcoming, too, posting on X: "Kirk Cousins Falcons Litt !!!"
Even QuikTrip's social channels weighed in, posting a video of sports commentator Stephen A. Smith as a reaction. "This is exactly what I've been waiting for."
There were also, of course, memes about Cousins making a pilgrimage to Magic City and embracing Atlanta's legendary hip hop scene.
News happens fast. Stream it faster with our re-designed 11Alive+ app.
Watch newscasts, breaking news streams and get the latest sports, weather and VERIFY content -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Text "plus" to 404-885-7600 to download 11Alive+ and stream now.