Kirk Cousins has solidified his position as not just a prominent quarterback in the NFL, but also a master strategist when it comes to maximizing his earnings. From his initial years in Washington to his lucrative deals with the Minnesota Vikings and now the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to secure top-tier contracts. His journey from a fourth-round pick to one of the highest-paid players in NFL history is a testament to his on-field performance and savvy negotiation skills. Let’s delve into the impressive career earnings of Kirk Cousins and understand how he reached such financial heights in professional football.
Kirk Cousins’ Path to NFL Riches: From Draft Pick to Guaranteed Millions
Selected as a fourth-round pick by Washington in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kirk Cousins’ initial contract was modest, typical for his draft position. However, instead of settling for a standard trajectory, Cousins strategically bet on himself. In 2016, he turned down long-term contract offers and opted to play under the franchise tag. This bold move proved pivotal. By playing under the franchise tag for two consecutive seasons, Cousins showcased his value and significantly increased his leverage. This calculated risk paved the way for an unprecedented series of fully guaranteed contracts. His landmark deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 was a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract, a rarity in the NFL. He further capitalized on this success with subsequent extensions in Minnesota, each also fully guaranteed, demonstrating his unique negotiating power and the high demand for his quarterbacking abilities. This consistent trend of securing guaranteed money is a cornerstone of Kirk Cousins’ career earnings success story.
Kirk Cousins’ Earnings: Among NFL’s Elite, Nearing the Top Spot
By the start of the 2024 season, Kirk Cousins had already amassed a staggering $231.6 million in career earnings from NFL contracts, placing him fourth in league history. Ahead of him were only quarterback legends Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, and Russell Wilson. However, Cousins’ most recent move to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 catapulted him even higher. His four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, including $100 million guaranteed, has significantly boosted his total. Now, Kirk Cousins’ career earnings stand at an estimated $331.7 million, firmly positioning him second on the all-time NFL career earnings list, closely trailing only Aaron Rodgers. While Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson remain in the top echelon, Cousins has surpassed them, cementing his status as one of the highest-earning players in the history of the NFL. Interestingly, among the top earners, Cousins stands out as the only one yet to win a Super Bowl, highlighting the premium placed on consistent quarterback performance and availability in the modern NFL.
Alt text: Top 10 NFL Career Earnings Leaders Entering 2024, showing Aaron Rodgers leading Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, and Russell Wilson.
Kirk Cousins’ Contract History and Annual Salary: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
To fully appreciate the magnitude of Kirk Cousins’ career earnings, it’s essential to examine his contract progression throughout his 12 NFL seasons and projected 13th season. His early years in Washington saw modest salaries typical of a developing player. The turning point arrived in 2016 when he played under his first franchise tag, earning $20 million, followed by $24 million under a second franchise tag in 2017. His move to the Vikings in 2018 marked the beginning of consistently high annual earnings, starting with $26 million. Subsequent contract extensions with Minnesota further elevated his salary, reaching peaks of $40 million in both 2020 and 2022. His final year with the Vikings in 2023 saw him earn $30 million. Now, with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Kirk Cousins is projected to earn a massive $62.5 million. This year-by-year progression clearly illustrates the exponential growth in Kirk Cousins’ salary, culminating in his current status as one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
| 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 |
Alt text: Table showing Kirk Cousins’ year-by-year NFL salary from 2012 to 2024, totaling over $294 million in career earnings.
Conclusion: Kirk Cousins, the NFL’s Financial Quarterback
Kirk Cousins’ career earnings narrative is a compelling case study in player empowerment and strategic contract negotiation in the NFL. He leveraged the franchise tag to his advantage and consistently secured fully guaranteed contracts, a testament to his confidence in his abilities and the value he brings to a team. While debates may continue about whether his playoff record fully justifies his massive contracts, there is no denying his financial acumen. Kirk Cousins has undeniably mastered the business side of football, achieving remarkable career earnings that place him among the financial elite of the NFL, regardless of Super Bowl rings. As the salary cap continues to rise, and younger quarterbacks enter the league seeking similar financial success, Kirk Cousins’ career earnings trajectory serves as a benchmark and a blueprint for maximizing value in the modern NFL landscape.
