If the NFL celebrated financial prowess with a Hall of Fame, Kirk Cousins would undoubtedly be a top contender for immediate induction.
Fresh from securing a lucrative four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons, reportedly valued at $180 million, Cousins addressed the perception that his financial success overshadows his on-field achievements.
Speaking on “The Steam Room” podcast, Cousins expressed his perspective, stating:
“I’m not going to apologize for the fact that it’s been a great blessing financially for my family,” he said on “The Steam Room” podcast. “But in my years in Atlanta, I certainly want it to be about (how I) won a Super Bowl and (how I) won a lot, and that becomes the last piece of my football career.”
Cousins emphasized that monetary gain has never been his primary motivation throughout his NFL journey, which commenced with the Washington Commanders (2012-17) and continued with the Minnesota Vikings (2018-2023) before his high-profile move to Atlanta.
With his latest deal, Cousins stands to accumulate approximately $411 million in career earnings, as projected by Over The Cap.
During his tenure with Washington, Cousins was twice designated with the franchise tag in 2016 and 2017, yet failed to secure a long-term agreement, leading to his eventual free agency.
Given his caliber and relatively rare status as a free agent quarterback, Cousins was able to command the NFL’s inaugural fully guaranteed contract—a three-year, $84-million deal—from the Minnesota Vikings. Subsequent extensions with the Vikings further solidified his financial standing, all fully guaranteed.
Despite recovering from a torn Achilles sustained in Week 8, Cousins is anticipated to be fully prepared for the upcoming training camp.
