DETROIT – The NFL’s week of free agency proved once again that teams can spend with the best of them no matter the sport.
The proof came when the Atlanta Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a 4-year deal that could pay him up to $180 million. The amount wasn’t the proof. The proof came when you realized Cousins is coming off a torn Achilles.
That wasn’t all. Cousins is also 35 years old. So if he fulfills everything in the contract, he will be 39 years old and $180 million richer. His last deal with the Vikings was worth nearly $100 million. Cousins should be working on Wall Street. He’s got the magic touch. On the field and more when it’s time for a new contract.
One thing about the NFL, they can certainly sell their product 365 days a year. And this year 366! But the excitement of free agency sends teams and players into dreamland, hoping and praying that the millions they’ve spent will turn into the Vince Lombardi Trophy the following season. Good luck. And if your team fails, there will be more tries next year. And more millions. And guess who’s going to pay for that?