Despite doubts about his fitness, the 37-year-old Atlanta Falcons quarterback signed a blockbuster deal before the 2024 season.
Kirk Cousins contract details: What is his salary and how many years does he have left with the Falcons?
Following years of instability at the position, the Atlanta Falcons raised eyebrows in the 2024 off-season by making a major move.
The Falcons brought in veteran QB Kirk Cousins after the expiration of his contract with the Minnesota Vikings, offering him a four-year deal worth $180 million, including $100 million in guaranteed money. Cousins was 35 at the time of signing and will be 39 when the deal expires. His average annual salary of $45 million matched that of three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.
Initially named the starter for the 2024 season, Cousins’ campaign was cut short late in the year when rookie Michael Penix Jr.—drafted by the Falcons in the first round—took over as starting quarterback in Week 16. With Penix now seen as the franchise’s future under center, Cousins has entered the 2025 season as the backup.
Not flashy, but this is a throw Kirk Cousins struggled to make late last season
— Joe (@realjoespinosa) December 2, 2025
He still isn’t planting his foot as firmly as he was pre-Achilles, but Kirk is showing that he still has enough juice to be a starter in this league pic.twitter.com/V5qcxWGIbQ
Despite the demotion, Cousins remains under contract with Atlanta, with his 2025 salary of $27.5 million fully guaranteed. In March 2025, the team activated a $10 million roster bonus, further cementing his financial position. His cap hit in 2025 stands at $40 million, with a potential increase to $57.5 million in 2026 if no restructuring occurs.
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Now entering the second year of his deal, Cousins has publicly accepted his role behind Penix while remaining ready to step in if needed. Though trade rumors have surfaced, he remains a Falcon—for now.
Wake up everyone we have Kirk Cousins vs Baker Mayfield today!!!!
— Football Analysis (@FBallAnalysisYT) December 11, 2025
Kirk Cousins recovers the starting QB spot
Cousins was benched in 2024 and started out in a substitute role at the beginning of the 2025 season. But, the veteran QB has started for the Falcons the last three games and will do so again tonight against the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield. Veteran QBs are trending now and Cousins will try to prove that he still belong in the league.
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