Kirk Cousins Net Worth in 2024: Current Wealth, Salary, and Earnings

Kirk Cousins is one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, and his net worth reflects that. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $120 million, making him a prominent figure in sports finance. Let’s dive deeper into his financial journey and career earnings.

Kirk Cousins Quick Facts

What is the Net Worth of Kirk Cousins in 2024?

Kirk Cousins net worth in 2024 is estimated to be $120 million. This positions him as one of the richest NFL players today.

His financial success is comparable to other high-earning NFL stars. Some notable figures related to Cousins include:

• Eli Manning
• Patrick Mahomes
• Drew Brees
• Matthew Stafford

What are Kirk Cousins’s salary and contracts?

Kirk Cousins’s salary

Kirk Cousins has established himself as one of the most notable quarterbacks in the NFL, with a career earning total of $281,469,288 and an average annual salary (APY) of $23,455,774.

His financial trajectory showcases significant milestones, including potential earnings that could reach $411,469,288 and total guarantees amounting to $349,369,288. Notably, Cousins’ most crucial cash payment is projected to be $62,500,000 in 2024, while his most significant cap will peak at $57,500,000 in 2026.

Earnings Breakdown by Team

Cousins’ earnings can be categorized by the teams he has played for. He spent the first six years of his career with the Washington Commanders, earning $46,469,288.

He then transitioned significantly to the Minnesota Vikings, earning a remarkable $185,000,000 over six seasons. His brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons has so far netted him $50,000,000 in a non-playing capacity.

Season History Analysis

Analyzing Cousins’ season-by-season earnings provides insight into his financial progression:

• In 2012, during his rookie year with the Redskins, Cousins earned a modest $390,000, supplemented by a prorated bonus of $118,172, leading to a total cash payout of $862,688.
• By 2016, his salary skyrocketed to $19,953,000, accounting for 12.3% of the team’s cap. This was a turning point that marked his transition into a top-tier quarterback.
• The following year, Cousins continued to rise financially, with a salary of $23,943,600 and a cap percentage of 13.5%.

His tenure with the Vikings began in 2018, where he earned $22,500,000 along with a substantial prorated bonus of $1,500,000.

Each subsequent year saw increases in both salary and bonuses:

• In 2019, he earned $27,500,000 with a significant cap hit of 15.1%.
• 2020 saw a dip in base salary to $9,500,000, yet a hefty prorated bonus of $11,500,000 contributed to a total payout of $40,000,000.
• By 2021, Cousins regained momentum with a salary of $21,000,000 and a cap hit of 16.7%.

The years 2022 and 2023 reflected ongoing financial strategy adjustments. For instance:

• In 2022, Cousins’s base salary was $5,000,000, but combined with bonuses, his total cash pay reached $40,000,000.
• The most recent season, listed for 2023, shows a salary of $10,000,000 and a cash payout totaling $30,000,000.

Future Financial Outlook

Looking ahead to 2024 through 2027 with the Atlanta Falcons reveals continued high earning potential.

In 2024, Cousins is set for a base salary of $12,500,000, alongside an equal prorated bonus. As his contract evolves into the later years:

• The subsequent years see significant increases in base salary; for example, in 2025, he will earn $27,500,000, and by 2026, this figure will rise to an impressive $35,000,000.

Kirk Cousins’ financial journey illustrates his player growth and strategic positioning within the NFL landscape. His career earnings reflect his on-field performance and the economic understanding of handling substantial contracts in professional sports.

Contract Overview

Contract History

The talented quarterback Kirk Cousins has a notable contract history reflecting his evolving NFL career.

Starting with the Washington Redskins, Cousins was drafted in 2012 on a four-year contract worth $2,572,688, which he fully earned, showcasing his early promise with an APY of $643,172.

In 2016, he was designated with the franchise tag, earning $19,953,000 for that season at an effective APY of $19,953,000. The following year, he was again tagged for $23,943,600, maintaining the same earning percentage.

Cousins transitioned to the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, signing a lucrative three-year contract valued at $84 million.

This deal included an APY of $28 million and saw Cousins earning 64.3% of the total contract amount by the end of the term.

Following that, he received a two-year extension in 2020 worth $66 million, with guarantees reaching up to $61 million and an impressive effective APY of $30.5 million, where he earned 92.4% of the contract value.

In 2022, Cousins signed a one-year extension valued at $35 million, which he fully earned with a remarkable effective APY of $35 million, indicating a 200% earning rate.

Most recently, Cousins agreed to a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, totaling $180 million. The contract includes an annual payout of $45 million and guarantees totaling $90 million. However, as of now, he has only earned 27.8% of it.

This contract progression highlights Cousins’ resilience and ability to secure lucrative deals throughout his career, making him one of the most prominent figures in modern football.

Current Contract (UFA, signed 2024)

In professional football, contracts often reflect the player’s abilities and value to the team’s financial strategy. Kirk Cousins, a seasoned quarterback currently 36 years old, has made headlines with his recent contract that underscores both his worth and the strategic choices facing the Atlanta Falcons as they move forward.

Cousins signed a four-year contract worth $180 million, with an average annual value (APY) of $45 million, one of the highest in the league.

2024 Season Overview

For the 2024 season, Cousins’ base salary is  $12.5 million, accompanied by a prorated signing bonus of $12.5 million.

This brings his total cap number to $25 million, representing approximately 9.64% of the team’s salary cap.

Notably, his cash payout for this year will be significantly higher at $62.5 million, constituting about 19.23% of the team’s spending.

The disparity between cash payout and cap charge indicates a strategic financial approach, allowing the team to balance their expenditures while maintaining competitive player salaries.

Future Financial Implications

Looking ahead to 2025, Cousins’ financial obligations increase dramatically, with a base salary of $27.5 million and an identical prorated signing bonus of $12.5 million, culminating in a cap hit of $40 million—or 15.4% of the cap.

This rise in cap percentage reflects Cousins’ critical role as he transitions into a leadership position within the team.

However, a significant guaranteed salary of $27.5 million ensures his presence on the roster is financially secured for that year.

In 2026 and 2027, Cousins’s base salary will be $35 million yearly, with additional roster bonuses of $10 million due at specific intervals.

This will increase the cap figures to $57.5 million for both seasons, accounting for 20.2% and 18.3% of the cap, respectively.

This placement of financial obligations builds considerable pressure on the team’s salary cap management as they strive to assemble a competitive roster around their star quarterback.

Guaranteed Money and Dead Money

The contract’s structure reveals that Cousins has received  $90 million in fully guaranteed money, highlighting the team’s commitment to him as a cornerstone player. However, should circumstances dictate a separation from Cousins before the contract’s conclusion, the team faces potential dead money implications, particularly in 2024, where they would incur a staggering $90 million if cut before June 1.

Overview of Kirk Daniel Cousins

Kirk Daniel Cousins, born August 19, 1988, is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. He ranks fifth all-time in completion percentage among players with at least 1,500 pass attempts and is eighth in career passer rating.

Cousins played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft.

After a successful tenure with the Redskins, he signed a fully guaranteed three-year contract worth $84 million with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, earning three Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons there.

Early life

Kirk Cousins, born on August 19, 1988, in Barrington, Illinois, was the second of three children to Don and Maryann Cousins.

He excelled in multiple sports at Holland Christian High School in Michigan, notably football, where he amassed 3,204 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. After initially considering Toledo and Western Michigan, Cousins received a scholarship from Michigan State under coach Mark Dantonio in 2007, marking a pivotal moment in his athletic career.

College career

Kirk Cousins had a notable college career at Michigan State. After redshirting in 2007, he served as the backup quarterback to Brian Hoyer in 2008, accumulating 310 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception over five games.

In 2009, he secured the starting position and led the Spartans to a 6–7 record with 19 touchdowns and 2,680 passing yards. His success continued in 2010, achieving an 11–2 record and a share of the Big Ten Championship.

In 2011, Cousins led the Spartans to an 11–3 record, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors and winning the Lowes’s Senior CLASS Award.

Professional career

Washington Redskins

In 2012, Kirk Cousins was drafted by the Washington Redskins as the 102nd overall pick in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, surprising many analysts given that the team had already selected Robert Griffin III as their franchise quarterback with the second overall pick.

Cousins was viewed as an insurance policy for Griffin, especially after head coach Mike Shanahan emphasized the unpredictability of injuries in football.

Cousins made his NFL debut in Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons, throwing a 77-yard touchdown pass to Santana Moss despite facing challenges.

His first start came in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns, where he showcased his skills by completing 26-of-37 passes for 329 yards and achieving two touchdowns, leading to a 38–21 victory.

Overall, he concluded his rookie season with 466 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, contributing to the Redskins finishing with a 10–6 record.

In 2013, Kirk Cousins was named the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins after Robert Griffin III was deactivated.

In a close Week 15 loss to the Falcons, Cousins recorded 381 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He concluded the season with 854 passing yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions in five games.

In 2014, Kirk Cousins experienced a pivotal season as the backup quarterback for the Washington Redskins.

In March, Cousins announced that he would give the #12 jersey to incoming new wide receiver Andre Roberts for a $12,000 donation to the Kirk Cousins Football Camp. Following Robert Griffin III’s injury, Cousins stepped in during Week 2, throwing 250 yards and two touchdowns in a decisive 41–10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

However, despite a standout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles with 427 passing yards, the team suffered a narrow loss, 37–34. Cousins struggled against the New York Giants, throwing four interceptions.

After a disappointing outing against the Tennessee Titans, he was benched, marking an abrupt end to his season.

In 2015, Kirk Cousins was named the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins. He led a historic comeback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finishing the game with 317 yards and four total touchdowns, coining the catchphrase “You like that?!” which gained popularity.

Cousins achieved four career-high touchdowns in a game against the New Orleans Saints, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He set the Redskins’ single-season passing yardage record with 4,166 yards and finished with 29 passing touchdowns, marking a significant season and earning recognition as the PFWA Most Improved Player.

In 2016, Kirk Cousins had a standout season, which was marked by his first Pro Bowl selection. The Washington Redskins utilized the non-exclusive franchise tag, granting Cousins a $20 million contract for the year.

He threw for a career-high 4,917 passing yards, ranking third in the NFL. His impressive stats included a 67% completion percentage and a 45.7% deep-ball completion rate.

Notably, during a Thanksgiving Day game, he recorded 449 passing yards, the second-most in NFL history. Despite missing the playoffs, his performance earned him recognition among peers, ranking 70th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

In 2017, Kirk Cousins was franchise-tagged by the Washington Redskins for the second consecutive year, a first in NFL history.

He stood out in Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders, throwing for 365 yards and three touchdowns. Despite his efforts, the team ended the season with a 7–9 record, missing the playoffs.

Cousins’ season stats included 4,093 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, marking his third straight season with over 4,000 yards.

Minnesota Vikings

In 2018, Kirk Cousins joined the Minnesota Vikings, signing a fully guaranteed three-year contract worth $84 million, a record in NFL history. In his debut against the San Francisco 49ers, he threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns, leading to a 24–16 victory.

Despite a solid statistical start, inconsistency plagued the offense. Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo was fired after a 21–7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Cousins finished the season with 4,298 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He was ranked 78th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

In the 2019 season, Kirk Cousins showcased his skills with a strong performance, finishing with 3,603 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, earning him his second Pro Bowl selection.

The highlight of his season came during the NFC Wild Card Round, where he threw for 242 yards and the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Saints, leading to a 26–20 victory.

Despite a tough loss in the Divisional Round against the 49ers, where he posted 172 yards and a touchdown, Cousins’ notable achievements included being ranked 58th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

In the 2020 NFL season, Kirk Cousins signed a two-year, $66 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings. He had a rocky start, throwing for 113 yards and three interceptions in a Week 2 loss to the Colts.

However, he rebounded with a strong performance in Week 3, recording 251 yards and three touchdowns against the Titans. Cousins achieved his first-ever Monday Night Football win in Week 10, with 292 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears.

He finished the season with impressive statistics: 4,265 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

In the 2021 season, Kirk Cousins achieved his third Pro Bowl selection. He recorded 4,221 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. Despite a strong performance, controversy arose when he chose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, ending his partnership with Holland Hospital.

Cousins was later placed on the COVID-19 reserve list, missing a crucial game against the Packers, eliminating the team from contention.

In the 2022 NFL season, Kirk Cousins had a standout year, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 13–4 record and securing the NFC North title. He signed a one-year, $35 million contract extension and was selected for his fourth Pro Bowl.

Cousins finished with 4,547 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, showcasing a remarkable performance, including a career-high 460 passing yards in a legendary comeback against the Colts. Despite his strong playoff performance, the Vikings fell to the Giants in the Wild Card Round, losing 31–24 despite Cousins’ four total touchdowns.

In the 2023 NFL season, quarterback Kirk Cousins showcased impressive performances despite team setbacks.

In the season opener against the Buccaneers, he recorded 344 passing yards with two touchdowns but suffered a 20–17 defeat.

Week 2 saw him throw for 364 yards and four touchdowns in a close 28–34 loss to the Eagles.

Cousins continued his strong play with 367 yards and three touchdowns against the Chargers, yet fell short again, losing 28–24.

Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely due to a torn Achilles injury sustained against the Packers in Week 8, leading to his placement on the injured reserve list.

Atlanta Falcons

On March 13, 2024, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Following his signing, the league investigated suspected tampering by the Falcons.

Subsequently, on April 25, 2024, they selected Michael Penix Jr. as their first-round pick, notifying Cousins only then.

Personal life

Kirk Cousins, a practicing Evangelical Christian, married Julie Hampton on June 28, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The couple has two sons, Cooper and Turner. During his tenure with the Redskins, he earned the nickname “Captain Kirk,” reflecting his leadership qualities.

Cousins is also related to MLB pitcher Jake Cousins and has supported Compassion International’s “Fill the Stadium” initiative. He was featured in the Netflix documentary series Quarterback, which premiered on July 12, 2023.

Real Estate

Kirk Cousins has officially closed a significant chapter in his career as the former quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings.

On May 14, the 35-year-old athlete sold his Inver Grove Heights home for $1,250,000, a notable increase from the $738,500 he paid in 2018 when he joined the team.

The property, which spans 4,036 square feet and has a four-car garage on 2.63 acres, features four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. 

Although not extravagant, its location facilitates a convenient commute to the Vikings’ practice facility in Eagan and is roughly 30 minutes from U.S. Bank Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Cousins’ home gained attention as highlighted in the Netflix documentary “Quarterback,” which chronicled his journey alongside other NFL stars.

During his tenure, he achieved a 13-4 record in 2022 but faced disappointment in the playoffs.

After six seasons with the Vikings, Cousins signed a $100 million guaranteed contract with the Atlanta Falcons, signaling a new beginning in his career.

Career records

Kirk Cousins has established himself as a formidable quarterback in the NFL, setting numerous impressive records throughout his career.

He holds the record for most game-winning drives and fourth-quarter comebacks in a single season, with 8 drives in 2015, tied with Matthew Stafford.

As a Minnesota Vikings player, Cousins achieved the most pass completions in a regular season with 425 and a remarkable streak of 39 consecutive games with a passing touchdown.

During his tenure with the Washington Redskins/Commanders, he set records for most 300-yard passing games in a season (7) and most career 300-yard games (23). Notably, Cousins also reached 4,917 passing yards in a season, highlighting his prolific ability to advance the ball effectively.

His consistency is further evidenced by three seasons surpassing 4,000 passing yards, a testament to his skill and endurance in the league.

Social Media Accounts

FAQs About Kirk Cousins

What’s Kirk Cousins’ win-loss record?

Kirk Cousins is 78-70-2 in his career.

Has Kirk Cousins made a Super Bowl?

Kirk Cousins has yet to secure a Super Bowl title in his career, having reached the playoffs on three occasions. In Week 17 of the 2022 season, he earned recognition as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. However, despite his commendable performance, the Minnesota Vikings were eliminated by the New York Giants in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Has a team that lost to Kirk Cousins not won the Super Bowl?

In the 12 years of Kirk Cousins’ career in the NFL, no team that has suffered a defeat to a Cousins-led Washington or Minnesota squad has advanced to the Super Bowl, let alone secured a victory. The implications are evident: a loss to Captain Kirk effectively diminishes any aspirations of competing in the championship game.

Are Kirk Cousins still with the Vikings?

MINNEAPOLIS — Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins expressed his heartfelt farewell to fans, coaches, and teammates on Wednesday as he prepares to join the Atlanta Falcons. In a poignant farewell video, Cousins described the day as “bittersweet,” reflecting on his time with the team.

How many teams has Kirk Cousins beaten?

Kirk Cousins, one of only four quarterbacks to have achieved victories over 30 out of 32 teams, is the sole quarterback with a chance to join the exclusive all-32 list this season. The two teams that Cousins has yet to defeat are the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, both of which are included in the Minnesota Vikings’ 2023 schedule.

Conclusion

Kirk Cousins’ financial journey highlights his success on and off the field. His strategic contract negotiations and endorsements have made him one of the wealthiest players in the NFL. For more insights into the finances of top NFL players, visit NFL Player Fortune. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts!