Cam Newton criticizes Atlanta Falcons' huge contract for Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins signed a hefty contract this week with the Falcons, and former NFL star Cam Newton called out Atlanta for giving its new quarterback so much money.

Newton is the former Carolina quarterback and the top pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. He hasn’t played a down since 2021. But his lack of on-field activity does not preclude Newton from talking about what unfolded this week in free agency.

Specifically, Cam Newton wonders why the Falcons gave Kirk Cousins a $180 million deal, with $100 million of it guaranteed, given his lack of success in the postseason.

“It is extremely alarming that he only had one playoff win in 12 years,” Newton said on his show, 4th & 1. “He’s coming off of an injury. Why didn’t they get Justin Fields? I can’t make it about me, but if I were to make it about me, it’s like, I’m in Atlanta.”

Obviously, the Falcons did not view Fields, a Georgia native, the same way Newton did. The Bears reportedly want to trade Fields before they select Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick of the NFL Draft next month. But it appears Chicago can’t find a trading partner, although this week brought so many quarterback moves across the league. Consider that the Steelers signed Russell Wilson and the Giants went with Drew Lock. The Vikings added Sam Darnold. And Mason Rudolph, Jacoby Brissett and Tyrod Taylor also switched rosters. But Fields, a first rounder from 2021, still is residing in Chicago.

The Falcons believe Cousins is the missing piece to get them to the postseason. Atlanta has finished 7-9 in each of the last three years. And Newton brings up a valid point. Cousins has one playoff win. His last time there, the Giants upset the Vikings at home.

But maybe Cam Newton should chill on making too big of a deal about Kirk Cousins in the playoffs. After all, Newton has only three postseason victories during his 11-year career. The last one came in 2015. Carolina brought the No. 1 offense into the Super Bowl only to lose to the Broncos.

And, Cousins does have some wear and tear on his body. Last season, he was the 10th oldest quarterback in the league, counting everyone, even those on IR. He ruptured his Achilles on Oct. 29th. Before his season ended, Cousins had completed 69.5% of his passes, with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has thrown 270 touchdowns for his career, which ranks 20th in NFL history. Cousins is also a couple of good games away from 40,000 career passing yards. He has 39,471 headed into the season.