Kirk Cousins has become synonymous with securing the bag in the NFL. From his early days in Washington to his lucrative deals with the Minnesota Vikings and now the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins has consistently demonstrated a knack for maximizing his financial gains. While his on-field performance and playoff record are often debated, there’s no denying his prowess when it comes to contract negotiations. This article delves into Kirk Cousins’ career earnings, exploring how he has ascended to become one of the highest-paid players in NFL history.
Cousins’ journey to financial stardom wasn’t paved with gold from the outset. Drafted in the fourth round by Washington in 2012, his rookie contract was modest. However, recognizing his value and potential, Cousins made a pivotal decision to bet on himself. In 2016, he played under the franchise tag, a move he repeated the following year. This bold strategy ultimately paid off handsomely, setting the stage for a series of groundbreaking, fully guaranteed contracts. His landmark move to the Vikings in 2018 marked the beginning of this era, and he continued to secure guaranteed deals, culminating in his recent four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, which includes a staggering $100 million guaranteed.
While discussions around Cousins often involve his playoff victories, his consistent production as a quarterback is undeniable. Entering the 2024 season, he ranks among the top 25 all-time in both passing yards and touchdowns, solidifying his status as a top-tier quarterback in the league. This consistent performance has directly translated into his impressive career earnings.
Kirk Cousins’ Place Among NFL’s Top Earners
It’s no surprise that Kirk Cousins’ name is frequently mentioned when discussing the highest career earnings in the NFL. Even prior to his latest Falcons contract, he was already positioned among the elite. Now, the gap has closed even further, placing him near the very top of the list.
By the end of the 2023 season, Kirk Cousins had amassed $231.6 million in earnings from NFL contracts, placing him fourth in league history at that time. Only Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, and Russell Wilson had surpassed him. However, with the guaranteed $100 million from his Falcons deal, Cousins has now surged to the second spot, closing in on Aaron Rodgers for the top position. Notably, within this top echelon of earners, Cousins stands out as the only quarterback yet to secure a Super Bowl ring, highlighting his unique path to financial success.
Here’s an updated look at the NFL’s all-time career earnings leaders as we head into the 2024 season:
| Player | Earnings | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Rodgers | $342.5 million | 2005-present |
| Kirk Cousins | $331.7 million | 2012-present |
| Matthew Stafford | $328.3 million | 2009-present |
| Russell Wilson | $256.4 million | 2012-present |
| Ryan Tannehill | $196 million | 2012-present |
| Von Miller | $179.3 million | 2011-present |
| Joe Flacco | $175.7 million | 2008-present |
| Trent Williams | $168.7 million | 2010-present |
| Ndamukong Suh | $168.2 million | 2010-22 |
| Derek Carr | $165.7 million | 2014-present |
While Cousins has overtaken Stafford and Wilson in total earnings, it’s important to remember that these players, along with Rodgers, are still actively playing and have the potential to further increase their career earnings. The ever-increasing NFL salary cap suggests that younger quarterbacks are also poised to climb this list in the coming years. For now, though, Kirk Cousins has undeniably excelled at maximizing his market value.
A Deep Dive into Kirk Cousins’ Contracts
The early years of Kirk Cousins’ NFL career saw him earning relatively modest salaries, typical for a fourth-round pick. For his first four seasons, he earned less than $1 million annually. The turning point arrived in 2016 when Washington placed the franchise tag on him, instantly boosting his salary to $20 million. He played under the franchise tag again in 2017, earning $24 million, before entering free agency and signing his first major contract with the Vikings.
In 2018, Cousins inked a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million deal with Minnesota. This landmark contract was followed by two extensions with the Vikings, both also fully guaranteed. First, a two-year, $66 million extension, and then a one-year, $35 million extension. His consistent ability to secure fully guaranteed contracts has been a key factor in his financial success.
His latest move to the Atlanta Falcons further cements this trend. The four-year, $180 million contract, with $100 million guaranteed, ensures his place among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league for years to come.
Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of Kirk Cousins’ earnings throughout his NFL career, including his projected 2024 salary with the Falcons:
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Washington | $862,688 |
| 2013 | Washington | $480,000 |
| 2014 | Washington | $570,000 |
| 2015 | Washington | $824,007 |
| 2016 | Washington | $20 million |
| 2017 | Washington | $24 million |
| 2018 | Vikings | $26 million |
| 2019 | Vikings | $28 million |
| 2020 | Vikings | $40 million |
| 2021 | Vikings | $21 million |
| 2022 | Vikings | $40 million |
| 2023 | Vikings | $30 million |
| 2024 | Falcons | $62.5 million |
| Total | $294.2 million |
With his new Falcons contract, Kirk Cousins’ average annual salary now stands at an impressive $45 million. His career trajectory showcases not only his talent on the field but also his astute business acumen in navigating the complexities of NFL contracts, solidifying his position as a financial winner in the league.
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