Kirk Cousins, the seasoned quarterback once with the Minnesota Vikings, is expected to be released by the Atlanta Falcons on March 11, marking a significant turning point in his NFL journey. This decision was confirmed by Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham on February 24 during an interview on 92.9 The Game, signaling a forthcoming free agency period for Cousins.
Cousins originally joined the Falcons in 2024, signing a lucrative four-year contract worth $180 million, as detailed by Spotrac. Prior to his time with Atlanta, he had forged a lengthy career starting with the Washington Redskins, now known as the Commanders, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2012, picking him 102nd overall from Michigan State University. His NFL tenure has established him as a respected franchise quarterback across multiple teams, including Washington and Minnesota.
Examining the Financial Milestone in Cousins’ NFL Career
Despite uncertainty about his next team, Cousins can take solace in a remarkable financial milestone. NFL analyst Warren Sharp notes that Cousins has amassed approximately $322 million in career earnings to date, bringing him nearly level with Tom Brady, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. Brady’s career earnings stand at $333 million, slightly above Cousins’, while Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford top the list with $395 million and $403 million, respectively.
While Cousins’ career playoff record does not match up to these peers—he has achieved only one playoff win compared to multiple postseason and championship victories by Brady, Rodgers, and Stafford—his sustained success and sizable contracts highlight his value within the league. This comparison also underscores the role that team composition and surrounding talent play in postseason achievements.
Details and Reactions Surrounding Cousins’ Departure from the Falcons
The Falcons concluded their season with a close victory against the New Orleans Saints on January 4, finishing 19-17, after which Cousins expressed a strong desire to remain with the team. Addressing reporters, he said,
“Hard to know. I would like to keep playing, but we’ll see how things play out in March or even after that… I would love to be back here. We’ll see how things play out.”
This reveals a hopeful yet uncertain outlook as the release date approaches.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Cousins completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, recording 10 passing touchdowns and five interceptions over 10 games. He also added one rushing touchdown to his statistics, demonstrating continued contribution to the Falcons’ offense despite the challenges faced throughout the season.
Falcons GM Ian Cunningham mentioned discussing the impending release with Cousins and his agent, Mike McCartney, noting that the move follows the quarterback’s contract restructuring earlier in the year. The decision marks the end of Cousins’ tenure with the Falcons but opens the door for new opportunities in his career.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of Cousins’ Next Steps in the NFL
Kirk Cousins’ upcoming free agency introduces an anxious yet hopeful phase for the veteran quarterback. While his release signals a major shift, his impressive career earnings and solid performance statistics maintain his standing as a valuable asset for potential teams. How Cousins navigates this transition will be closely watched, as his experience and proven skillset may still offer franchises a reliable quarterback option.
As Cousins enters this new chapter, his journey illustrates both the volatility of professional sports careers and the persistence required to sustain relevance at the highest level. The months following March 11 will be critical in determining whether he secures a new contract or moves beyond active play, but his record ensures that his football legacy remains noteworthy.
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
