David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley, two of pro football's best-known players at their positions, flew the coop Monday for the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles, respectively, jolting the normally staid NFL offseason. Cousins, the fifth-leading passer of all active quarterbacks, has left the Minnesota Vikings and agreed to a four-year deal with the Falcons, said his agent, Mike McCartney.
But he was still a valuable prize on the free agent market, particularly down the road in Philadelphia, where he quickly filled a need. Barkley's announcement came hours after the Eagles lost their top rusher as Philadelphia native D’Andre Swift bolted for the Chicago Bears. As rivals in the NFC East, the Eagles and the Giants will meet twice this season.
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