”‹”‹The Atlanta Falcons have doubled down in their championship pursuit, securing quarterback Kirk Cousins with a blockbuster $180 million contract over four years. This seismic deal, including a $50 million signing bonus, signals a new era for the franchise and sky-high expectations for Cousins to deliver long-awaited playoff success.

But the ripples of Cousins’ arrival have extended beyond just the field. Tight end Kyle Pitts found himself caught up in an unexpected jersey number saga, with the veteran QB eyeing Pitts’ coveted No. 8. As negotiations played out, a voice weighed in ”“ underscoring the business undertones that can underscore even the most routine player interactions.

Is Kirk Cousins a massive bet?

After years of instability at quarterback, the Atlanta Falcons have gone all-in by securing Kirk Cousins with a jaw-dropping 4-year, $180 million contract ”” including a staggering $50 million signing bonus. “If I play at the level I expect to play, that I can retire a Falcon. That was something that really excited me and that’s certainly the goal,” Cousins stated about his decision.

The financial investment signals how committed Atlanta is to having Cousins as their long-term answer under center after failed experiments with Desmond Ridder. By backing the Brinks truck up for Cousins, they are emphatically stating their belief that the 35-year-old veteran can be the missing piece to lead them back to playoff glory.

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However, the deal represents a massive gamble by the Falcons’ front office and ownership group. In a recent conversation on the show “4th&1 w/ Cam Newton,” former NFL MVP Cam Newton highlights the stark reality that Cousins has only secured one playoff win in the past 12 years, raising doubts about whether Cousins can deliver the desired results to justify the hefty contract. By doubling down on him, the Falcons are making a statement that his track record doesn’t tell the full story.

The price tag of NFL stardom

While the dollars and cents of Cousins’ contract have dominated headlines, an underrated storyline regarding his coveted No. 8 jersey has been unfolding. That number belongs to talented tight end Kyle Pitts, who must now decide whether to relinquish it to his new veteran quarterback.

In Cousins’ introductory press conference, he said he’d like to keep wearing his longtime No. 8, stating: “If it’s a number you want to pivot from, great, you let me know.” Cousins said, recollecting what he told Pitts when discussing the number, “I’ve obviously worn No. 8 since high school. If it’s a number you want to keep, that’s fine, no problem. I just want to be a good teammate.”

Read More: Kirk Cousins $180M Contract: New Falcons QB’s Career Earnings vs Tom Brady’s Will Leave You Shocked

Pitts seemed open to negotiating, replying with a tongue-in-cheek quote: “I just want targets every game.” However, former NFL star Chad Johnson had different advice, taking to social media to emphatically urge Pitts not to give up the number for free, “Man get your money man, get your money. Because you never give up your jersey number without getting [something] in return.”

Johnson’s perspective highlights the delicate balance players must strike between being a “good teammate” and looking out for their financial interests off the field. Jersey numbers have become big business, with some players receiving big-figure payments to change their digits. As this saga unfolds, it will show how players juggle representing their team while maintaining their brand value.

Read More: “It’s Extremely Alarming”: Cam Newton Reacts to Kirk Cousins’ $180M Deal With Atlanta Falcons