A fully guaranteed contract is rare in the NFL, but Kirk Cousins has made a career out of securing them. Over the years, his strategic negotiations and short-term deals have maximized his earnings, setting him apart from other quarterbacks.
In 2024, he signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, further cementing his place among the highest-paid players in the league.
But how much has he made in his career? And how does his salary compare to other NFL quarterbacks? Let’s break down Kirk Cousins net worth, his contracts, wealth, and financial strategy to see how he has built his fortune.
Kirk Cousins Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Kirk Daniel Cousins |
Popular Name | Kirk Cousins |
Birth Date | August 19, 1988 |
Age | 36 (as of March 8, 2025) |
Birthplace | Barrington, Illinois, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | N/A |
Education | Michigan State University (2008–2011), Holland Christian High School (2001–2007) |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Julie Hampton (m. 2014) |
Children | 2 (Cooper & Turner) |
Dating | No public information |
Siblings | Kyle Cousins, Karalyne Cousins |
Parents | Don Cousins, Maryann Cousins |
Height | 1.91 meters |
Net Worth | $160 million (estimated 2025) |
Source of Wealth | Professional Football (NFL) |
What Is the Net Worth of Kirk Cousins in 2025?
Kirk Cousins’ net worth in 2025 is estimated at $160 million. This places him among the wealthiest quarterbacks in the NFL.
His earnings come primarily from NFL contracts, including his record-breaking $84 million fully guaranteed deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and his latest $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Compared to other top quarterbacks, Cousins has consistently secured high-value, short-term deals, which has allowed him to maximize his income. Although he hasn’t won a Super Bowl, his financial success speaks for itself.
Other NFL players and entities related to his career:
- Patrick Mahomes
- Josh Allen
- Matthew Stafford
- Aaron Rodgers
- Atlanta Falcons
- Minnesota Vikings
- Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins)
- NFL Salary Cap Committee
- Sports Agents in NFL
- Nike (Endorsement Deals)
Interested in how other celebrities build their fortunes? Check out this list of the world’s wealthiest public figures.
Kirk Cousins Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Has He Earned in His NFL Career?
Since entering the NFL in 2012 as a fourth-round pick, Cousins has accumulated over $231 million in salary. By the end of his Atlanta Falcons contract in 2028, his career earnings will exceed $410 million.
Here’s a breakdown of his major contract deals:
- 2018: Signed 3-year, $84 million fully guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
- 2020: Signed 2-year, $66 million extension with the Vikings.
- 2024: Signed 4-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, including a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed.
What Are the Key Details of His Current Contract?
Kirk Cousins’ latest deal with the Atlanta Falcons makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Here’s what it includes:
- Duration: 4 years (2024-2028)
- Total Value: $180 million
- Guaranteed Money: $100 million
- Signing Bonus: $50 million
- Annual Average Salary: $45 million
This contract follows Cousins’ long-standing strategy of betting on himself, opting for short-term, high-value deals instead of long-term security.
How Did He Negotiate His Contracts and Salary?
Cousins’ financial strategy is different from most NFL quarterbacks. Instead of taking a long-term deal with less guaranteed money, he has focused on short-term, fully guaranteed contracts.
- In Washington, he played under two consecutive franchise tags ($22 million in 2016 and $24 million in 2017).
- This allowed him to enter free agency in 2018 and secure the first fully guaranteed contract in NFL history ($84 million with the Vikings).
- He repeated this move in 2024 with the Falcons, securing another massive contract.
What Are His Other Sources of Income Besides Salary?
Cousins doesn’t just earn from NFL contracts. His endorsement deals add millions to his income each year.
Some of his biggest endorsements include:
- Nike
- Sleep Number
- Panini America (Trading Cards)
- Adidas (Former Deal)
In addition to endorsements, he has invested in real estate and various business ventures.
What Are the Long-Term Financial Implications of His Contracts?
By 2028, Cousins’ career earnings will surpass $410 million. He has ensured financial security with fully guaranteed deals, making him one of the most financially successful quarterbacks in NFL history.
- Guaranteed Earnings: Ensures stability even if he gets injured.
- Potential Future Contracts: If he plays well in Atlanta, he could earn another short-term deal in 2028.
- Legacy: While he may not be remembered as the best QB, he will be known for his groundbreaking contracts.
Conclusion
Kirk Cousins has turned strategic contracts into financial success, securing some of the most lucrative deals in NFL history. Whether he will win a Super Bowl remains to be seen, but his earnings have already set him apart.
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