Before the NFL scouting combine last week, the Atlanta Falcons were the betting favorites to trade for Justin Fields. Now almost a week removed from the combine the Falcons have the second best odds to sign Cousins only behind the Minnesota Vikings according to FOX Sports.
There are multiple reports that the Falcons are prioritizing signing Cousins because Raheem Morris, Terry Fontenot, Zac Robinson, and the Falcons' brass believe Cousins' skill set would best fit Atlanta's offensive scheme. Earlier Tuesday The Morning Shift explained why that checks out.
Last month during his introductory press conference, Morris was asked what he’s looking for in a quarterback and the first thing he said he’s looking for is an “elite processor.”
Last season Cousins got the ball out at an average time of 2.5 seconds from when the ball was snapped, and at times in his career that number has been as low as 1.8. As Cousins’ career has progressed, he’s learned how to get the ball out quicker and quicker and has become one of those “elite processors” that Morris is looking for.
Right now there’s obviously no hard evidence the Falcons are pursuing Cousins and there’s no hard evidence that Cousins is interested in the Falcons, but between all the reports, rumors, and what Morris has said he wants in a quarterback it shouldn’t be a surprise if Cousins does end up as the Falcons starting quarterback next season.