Cousins, 35, was a priority after several free-agent quarterbacks came off the market. The Buccaneers re-signed Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100-million deal and the Steelers agreed to a one-year deal, $1.21 million deal with nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson. Also, quarterback Mac Jones was traded by the Patriots to the Jaguars.

The Falcons stated that they had a “Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and Plan D” when it came to upgrading the quarterback position. Getting Cousins was clearly Plan A. The Falcons hold the eighth overall pick in April’s NFL draft and would not be able to select one of the top QB prospects unless they traded up.

Cousins, who guided the Vikings to the NFC North title in 2022 with a 13-4 record, had them off to a 4-4 start before he ruptured his Achilles in October, ending his season.

Cousins, who’s set to turn 36 in August, is hoping to return by the end of the offseason program.

Cousins, who’s 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, completed a two-year, $66 million deal last season. The Vikings could have re-signed him prior to the tampering period to keep him off the free-agent market.

Cousins, who’s made $231 million since he was drafted in the fourth round (102nd overall) in 2012 out of Michigan State, signed a three-year, $84 million deal in 2018 with the Vikings.

The knock on Cousins is that he’s been only an average quarterback. He had a 59-59 record entering the 2022 season. He is also 1-3 in the playoffs.

“He’s a very high quality quarterback,” Blank said. “He’s performed at a high level for 12 years in the league. Feel pretty fortunate to having him as our quarterback. I look forward to seeing the results with him.”

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