Kirk Cousins is taking the world by storm as he just signed a rich four year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. This agreement is a big change for Cousins, who first played for the Minnesota Vikings. His career earnings should this year surpass the truly eye-popping number of $291.3 million. That accomplishment leaves him $21 million in front of the second-highest quarterback earner from 2016-2024. In 2023, Cousins suffered a significant injury, tearing his Achilles while having one of his best seasons. Even given this obstacle, he is working to prove that he is just as much a heavyweight outside of the NFL.
Cousins was having a career year before his injury, throwing for 4,917 yards and 25 touchdowns. His play led to a Pro Bowl selection and helped him rank sixth on the QBR leaderboard. This new deal provides Cousins with another opportunity to prove his talents as an NFL starting quarterback. He modeled his aptitude for this role when he was benched by Robert Griffin III in 2015.
The Vikings have three years later finally moved on from Cousins contract. They’ve chosen to divvy up replacement duties between former No. 3 pick Sam Darnold and rookie first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy. Ultimately, the team is undergoing a pretty significant strategic transition. They are indeed taking a very active approach to reconfigure their roster and plan for the long-term.
Kirk Cousins’ Financial Milestones
Kirk Cousins turned into an economic juggernaut in the NFL. From 2016 through 2024 so far, he has made more money than any league player. His eye-popping overall total of $291.3 million is just one reflection of the superstar’s impact. Whenever he was negotiating a new contract, he raised the bar for quarterback compensation. Cousins almost immediately inked a four-year, fully guaranteed contract with the Atlanta Falcons. This new addition further cements his in-season currency and name value as a starting quarterback.
They were in a brutally tough spot with Cousins’ fully guaranteed contract. Had he gone year-to-year, he would have only taken home $47 million over three years. This plan, which seems to have involved honoring his fifth year option plus two franchise tags, had no long-term guarantees built in. This financial burden was probably a factor in their choice to move on from Cousins and look elsewhere.
Regardless of when, the quarterback’s road hasn’t been a smooth one. After he departed from Washington, the team has experienced a gauntlet of thirteen different QBs starting a minimum of one game. This wasn’t the case until Jayden Daniels arrived on campus last season. This continual instability underscored the need for a rock solid, can’t miss starting quarterback—but that’s exactly the type of player Cousins was for Washington.
The Impact of Cousins’ Performance
Beyond the broad and vague platitudes, I think Cousins’ on-field performance has greatly influenced his success on and off the field. His Pro Bowl campaign was proof of his ability to readily lead a team’s locker room. In those early years, he led the Cowboys to two division titles in his first three years. Despite these successes, the front office was reluctant to give him a contract extension heading into 2019. It drew back the curtain on the messy realities of team chemistry and financial calculus in the league.
Cousins has put up absurd career advanced metrics. His path to the NFL took another significant detour when he replaced a benched Griffin in the Commanders’ starting slot. This moment launched his stellar future professional starting quarterback career. He always rose to the occasion and shined in the moments that mattered most.
Even with the obstacles thrown at him, including injuries and others leaving the team, Cousins has continued to stand out as one of the premier quarterbacks. His ability to navigate these challenges has contributed to his reputation as a resilient player who can adapt to changing environments.
Future Prospects for Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins embarks on a new adventure with the Atlanta Falcons. The future, of course, is hugely intriguing and so too the journey that lies ahead for the team! The Falcons recently inked a similar deal that would indicate a much stronger faith in Cousins’ talents. Today, they intend to use his experience and expertise to help them succeed. The franchise has its hopes invested in his leadership to help guide the franchise towards success in the coming seasons.
Cousins’ recent gun injury will have many questioning how productive and healthy he will be for a full season. If history is any indication, Howard resiliency has been his trademark throughout his career. His dedication to training and recovery will be key as he attempts to come back even better than before.
It seems like the NFL landscape has a new story every week. Addressing the value of top dollar contracts. Quarterback deals often dominate discussion over player value and team building philosophy. Cousins as he prepares to assume his new role with the Atlanta Falcons. He’ll need to overcome the most talented competition on the planet and the Royal Rumble-like financial free-for-all that the league transforms into each year.
Leave a Reply