NFL
Kirk Cousins' contract details with the Falcons: Salary, guaranteed money and years left
Cousins moved to Atlanta for big money and with plenty of fanfare, but things have not worked out as either party had planned.
When the Atlanta Falcons lured Kirk Cousins away from the Minnesota Vikings, they made headlines with an aggressive, blockbuster deal. But just months into his tenure in Atlanta, Cousins finds himself benched, raising questions about his contract, performance, and future in the league. Here’s what we know about that agreement and the financial implications tied to his tumultuous season.
Cousins' big-money deal with big expectations
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason, a figure that made plenty of fans – and accountants – raise their eyebrows. With $100 million guaranteed, Atlanta effectively backed a Brinks truck up to Cousins’ house, committing to a veteran quarterback they hoped would end years of inconsistency at the position.
The contract averages $45 million per year, putting Cousins in elite financial territory alongside players like Patrick Mahomes. But unlike Mahomes, Cousins has struggled to deliver, throwing 16 interceptions and fumbling 12 times through 14 games this season. Those turnover numbers lead the league, and not in the way anyone wants.
What’s left on Cousins' deal?
Cousins’ contract includes a no-trade clause, effectively giving him full control over his future. If Atlanta decides to cut ties in the offseason, they’ll face a significant financial hit. Cutting him would save the team from an additional $90 million in guaranteed money beyond this season, but they’d still owe him $27.5 million in dead cap space.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Falcons, who are barely hanging on to playoff hopes. With a $10 million roster bonus due in March, Atlanta will have to decide quickly whether Cousins remains part of their plans or becomes one of the most expensive missteps in franchise history. The latter seems increasingly more likely.
The rookie gamble and a fractured relationship
Adding intrigue to the situation is rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who will start in place of Cousins this week. Drafted eighth overall, Penix was seen as a long-term project but now finds himself thrust into the spotlight. His promotion underscores just how far Cousins’ stock has fallen in Atlanta.
Cousins and the Falcons never seemed fully aligned. The team blindsided the veteran by drafting Penix without consulting him, a move that reportedly soured their relationship. That tension has only grown as Cousins’ turnovers piled up and Penix’s potential loomed larger.
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