In an unprecedented move that has set the sports world abuzz, Kirk Cousins has inked a deal with the Atlanta Falcons that not only signifies his monumental return to the field post-injury but also catapults him above NFL legend Tom Brady in terms of career earnings.
This massive contract, valued at a staggering $180 million over four years, has rewritten the financial playbook, spotlighting Cousins as a top-tier quarterback in more ways than one.
Kirk Cousin’s $180 Million Deal
Cousins’ comeback story is one for the ages, overcoming an Achilles injury to secure a position with his third NFL team, the Atlanta Falcons, for the 2024 season. His contract details are jaw-dropping: a $50 million signing bonus, $100 million guaranteed, and an average annual paycheck of $45 million. Starting with a $12.5 million base salary in 2024, Cousins is not just making a personal comeback but also setting new records in athlete earnings.
The journey to this point has been nothing short of spectacular. Since being drafted 102nd overall by the Washington Commanders in 2012, Cousins has shown a trajectory of growth and resilience. Initially signing a modest $2.57 million deal over four years, he didn’t emerge as the spotlight’s quarterback until 2015.
His financial ascent began in earnest post his rookie contract, with successive tags and a monumental deal with the Minnesota Vikings, culminating in earnings of $185 million over six seasons before his latest Falcons contract.
Aj Terrell gets his first career interception off Kirk Cousins pic.twitter.com/zHGYDMV79o
— ATLSportsOOC (@ATLHiveOOC) March 14, 2024
Kirk Cousins Surpassing Tom Brady
What makes Cousins’ new contract even more remarkable is its positioning against Tom Brady’s career earnings. Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, earned approximately $332.9 million over his illustrious 23-season career. Cousins, with 12 seasons and a total earning of $231.6 million before this deal, is projected to outearn Brady by a significant margin, reaching an estimated $411.6 million by the end of the 2027 season.
While the numbers are staggering, they also bring to light Cousins’ playoff performance. With only four playoff appearances and a single win out of five playoff games, Cousins’ financial achievements have sparked debates about value and success in the NFL. Can earnings be equated with success, or does the legacy of a player like Brady, with his numerous championships, weigh more?
What Lies Ahead for Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons
As Cousins prepares to don the Falcons’ jersey, questions abound regarding his impact on the team and his ability to lead them to victory. With his financial future secured, the focus now shifts to his performance on the field. Will this move bring the Falcons closer to a championship, or will it add to the narrative of high-earning quarterbacks unable to clinch the ultimate prize?
The coming seasons will be crucial for Cousins as he seeks to cement his legacy not just as one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history, but as a leader capable of steering his team to victory when it matters most. As the sports world watches on, the tale of Kirk Cousins and his historic contract with the Falcons unfolds, promising a blend of financial intrigue and athletic prowess on the grand stage of American football.
Source: Sportsrush
