Kirk Cousins has quietly delivered one of the most lucrative per-game earnings stretches in NFL history during his time with the Atlanta Falcons.
Over his tenure in Atlanta, Cousins accumulated a total of $98.7 million across 22 starts, according to published figures. That translates to approximately $4.49 million per start, underscoring just how valuable each appearance proved to be from a financial standpoint.
The total compensation includes roughly $90 million earned over his first two seasons, along with an additional $8.7 million from guaranteed money in 2026 tied to his contract structure.
Cousins’ per-game earnings highlight how limited availability can still coincide with significant financial returns in today’s NFL contract landscape. Had circumstances been different—specifically, if not for Michael Penix Jr.’s torn ACL in November—Cousins may have started only 15 games, which would have pushed his per-start average even higher to approximately $6.58 million per game.
Across his career, Cousins has now earned an estimated $321 million over 14 NFL seasons, reflecting both his longevity and consistent ability to secure high-value contracts.
Looking ahead, Cousins’ role remains uncertain with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he is expected to compete for playing time. The team is also anticipated to select a young quarterback in the upcoming draft, raising questions about whether Cousins will operate as a bridge starter or transition into a backup or rotational role.