The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed they will release quarterback Kirk Cousins at the start of the new league year, according to Ian Cunningham, the team’s general manager. This announcement came during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on February 24, signaling a significant change for Cousins as he approaches free agency once again.
Following a contract restructuring after the last season, the Falcons managed to reduce the salary cap impact of Cousins’ departure. He will be designated as a post-June 1 release effective March 11, resulting in a $24.6 million cap hit for 2024, with leftover dead cap figures of $22.5 million in 2026 and $12.5 million in 2027, as reported by Spotrac. The deal included a $10 million guaranteed roster bonus with offset provisions.
Tracking Kirk Cousins’ Rise Among the NFL’s Wealthiest Players
Kirk Cousins’ financial ascent is notable, given his modest start after being drafted in the fourth round (102nd overall) by Washington in 2012 with a four-year, $2.5 million rookie contract. Over the years, he has transformed into one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league’s history.
Research from analyst Warren Sharp places Cousins fourth on the all-time NFL earnings list for players, trailing only Matthew Stafford ($403 million), Aaron Rodgers ($395 million), and Tom Brady ($333 million). Cousins has accumulated approximately $322 million in career earnings, an impressive feat despite limited playoff success relative to those ahead of him; unlike Stafford, Rodgers, and Brady, Cousins has secured only a single playoff win and no Super Bowl titles.
The top quarterback earnings to date stand as follows:
1. Matthew Stafford — $403 million, 1 Super Bowl championship, 7 playoff victories
2. Aaron Rodgers — $395 million, 1 Super Bowl championship, 11 playoff victories
3. Tom Brady — $333 million, 7 Super Bowl championships, 35 playoff victories
4. Kirk Cousins — $322 million, 1 playoff win
After Washington placed the franchise tag on Cousins in 2017, paying him $23.9 million, he signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. Minnesota later extended him twice—first a two-year, $66 million extension and then a one-year, $35 million deal. Despite an Achilles injury shortening his last Vikings season to eight games, Cousins moved on to a lucrative four-year, $180 million agreement with the Falcons.
During his two seasons in Atlanta, Cousins struggled to meet expectations and was benched midway through his first year in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. He started 24 games with a 12-10 record, earning close to $100 million in that span. Overall, the 37-year-old’s NFL career earnings have now surpassed $331 million.
Potential Free Agency Moves and a Possible Return to Minnesota
With free agency approaching for the third time in his career, Cousins is attracting attention from various teams seeking an experienced quarterback option. One strong contender for his services is the Minnesota Vikings, who might view him as a safer and proven alternative, especially given uncertainty around J.J. McCarthy entering his third season.
Rejoining the Vikings under head coach Kevin O’Connell could allow Cousins to return to a familiar system where he previously flourished, likely at a reduced cost compared to his previous contracts.
And so I think they pounce on Cousins, the all-around safer pick (compared to Aaron Rodgers and McCarthy). Cousins will get O’Connell’s system humming again,
Henry McKenna, Fox Sports.
Cousins’ future will hinge on his performance evaluations during free agency and the specific needs of teams looking for veteran leadership at quarterback. His longstanding career earnings reflect not only his talent but also the high value placed on experienced quarterbacks as teams strategize for the coming seasons.
Cunningham says he spoke with Kirk Cousins and his agent recently and told them the plan was to release Cousins the first day of the league year. #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) February 24, 2026
Most NFL Career Earnings:
$403M – Matthew Stafford – 1x SB Champ, 7 playoff wins
$395M – Aaron Rodgers – 1x SB Champ, 11 playoff wins
$333M – Tom Brady – 7x SB Champ, 35 playoff wins
$322M – Kirk Cousins – 1 playoff win
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) February 24, 2026
Kirk Cousins will take away $100M from the #Falcons having appeared in 24 games across 2024-2025.
The 37-year-old has now secured over $331M in his NFL career.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 24, 2026
