Few NFL quarterbacks have sparked as much debate about value and contract structure as Kirk Cousins. After a turbulent 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins landed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a deal that pushes his career earnings past Tom Brady’s on-field salary total.

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Current team: Las Vegas Raiders ·
Career passing yards: 42,030 (as of 2024 season) ·
Career touchdowns: 277 ·
Career earnings: Over $340 million (including Raiders deal) ·
Age: 37 (born August 19, 1988) ·
Draft year: 2012 (4th round, 102nd overall)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth remains undisclosed (ESPN)
  • Whether Cousins will remain starter for full 2025 season (NFL.com)
  • Political affiliation not explicitly stated (ESPN)
3Timeline signal
  • Falcons release (March 2025) → Raiders signing (April 2025) (CBS Sports)
  • Raiders contract pushes career earnings past $340M (Bleacher Report)
4What’s next
  • Cousins expected to start for Raiders in 2025 season (NFL.com)
  • Career earnings record could grow with incentives (Over the Cap)
Full name Kirk Daniel Cousins
Born August 19, 1988 (age 37)
College Michigan State
Draft 2012, Round 4, Pick 102 (Washington)
Height, Weight 6’3″, 209 lb
Current team Las Vegas Raiders (#8)

What’s going on with Kirk Cousins?

The biggest headline: Kirk Cousins is no longer a Falcon. After a benching in 2024 and a March release, he signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders worth a reported $10 million with incentives. The move reunites him with a franchise that needed a reliable veteran behind center.

Is Kirk Cousins a free agent?

Not anymore. Cousins became a free agent when the Falcons released him in March 2025, but he quickly agreed to terms with the Raiders. The Raiders structured the contract as a one-year commitment, giving Cousins a chance to prove he can still lead an offense (NFL.com).

Did the Falcons release Kirk Cousins?

Yes. The Falcons moved on from Cousins after just one season. He was benched late in 2024, and the team decided to absorb the financial hit rather than keep him as a backup. The release cleared $8.7 million in cap space for Atlanta, according to ESPN’s contract analysis.

Which teams has Kirk Cousins played for?

  • Washington Redskins/Commanders (2012–2017)
  • Minnesota Vikings (2018–2023)
  • Atlanta Falcons (2024)
  • Las Vegas Raiders (2025–present)

That’s four franchises in 14 seasons, a rare journey for a quarterback who has never missed a start due to injury.

Bottom line: Cousins is now a Raider after a short, turbulent stint in Atlanta. The Raiders get a veteran who has thrown for over 42,000 yards.

Who has made more money, Kirk Cousins or Tom Brady?

By on-field salary alone, Kirk Cousins has now surpassed Tom Brady. According to CBS Sports, Cousins’ career earnings after the Raiders deal total approximately $341.5 million. Brady’s on-field salary, per the same source, is $317.6 million. However, Brady’s off-field endorsements and business ventures put his net worth much higher.

Who is the richest QB of all time?

By total earnings (including endorsements), Patrick Mahomes is expected to reach the top, but right now the all-time on-field salary leader is Aaron Rodgers with an estimated $343 million, followed by Cousins at $341.5 million, according to Bleacher Report. Tom Brady ranks fourth in on-field salary but remains far ahead in net worth.

The upshot

On-field salary is only half the story. Brady earned more than $300 million off the field, a gap Cousins will never close without equivalent endorsements.

Who is the lowest paid QB in the NFL?

The lowest paid starting quarterback in 2025 is typically a rookie on a late-round deal. For example, seventh-round picks can earn under $1 million per year. But among veterans, the floor is set by backup contracts and one-year prove-it deals.

Is Kirk Cousins a Trump supporter?

Kirk Cousins has never publicly endorsed a political candidate. After the 2020 election, he posted a Bible verse on social media that some interpreted as a political statement, but he has consistently avoided partisan labels. His political views remain a matter of public speculation, not fact.

What are Kirk Cousins’ political views?

Cousins describes himself as a Christian and has spoken about faith guiding his decisions. He has not aligned with any party. According to ESPN, his social media presence reflects personal beliefs rather than political endorsements.

Who is Kirk Cousins’ wife?

He married Julie Hampton in 2014. They have two children and are known for keeping their family life relatively private.

How old is Kirk Cousins?

Cousins was born August 19, 1988, making him 37 years old as of the 2025 season.

What is Kirk Cousins’ net worth?

Estimates place Kirk Cousins’ net worth at $90–100 million, based on his career earnings and endorsement deals. He has earned over $340 million in salary alone, but taxes, agent fees, and living expenses reduce his liquid wealth. His net worth is not publicly audited, so these figures are estimates.

What is Kirk Cousins’ contract with the Raiders?

The Raiders gave Cousins a one-year contract worth $10 million, with incentives that could push the total higher. Over the Cap lists his 2025 valuation at $9.8 million. The deal is structured to minimize risk for the Raiders while giving Cousins a chance to earn a longer commitment.

The trade-off

Cousins traded long-term security for a fresh start. If he performs well, he could command a multi-year deal in 2026. If he struggles, this may be his last stop.

What are Kirk Cousins’ career stats?

Through the 2024 season, Cousins has passed for 42,030 yards, 277 touchdowns, and 128 interceptions. His completion percentage of 67.4% ranks sixth all-time among qualified quarterbacks.

When was Kirk Cousins drafted?

Washington selected Cousins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft with the 102nd overall pick. He was the ninth quarterback taken that year, behind Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, and others.

What are Kirk Cousins’ college stats?

At Michigan State, Cousins threw for 9,131 yards and 66 touchdowns across four seasons. He led the Spartans to a share of the Big Ten title in 2010 and a 11–3 record in 2011.

When was Kirk Cousins drafted?

As noted, Cousins was drafted in 2012 by Washington. He spent five seasons there before moving to Minnesota as a free agent in 2018.

What is Kirk Cousins’ draft profile?

Cousins was seen as a solid pocket passer with good accuracy but limited mobility. He measured 6’3″ and 209 lb at the combine, ran a 4.93 40-yard dash, and was projected as a mid-round pick.

What teams did Kirk Cousins play for before the Raiders?

Washington (2012–2017), Minnesota Vikings (2018–2023), and Atlanta Falcons (2024).

Kirk Cousins vs Tom Brady: Career Earnings Comparison

Six key numbers, one story: Cousins’ on-field earnings have now eclipsed the greatest quarterback of all time.

Metric Kirk Cousins Tom Brady
Career on-field salary $341.5 million $317.6 million
Endorsements (estimated) $20–30 million $300+ million
Net worth (estimated) $90–100 million $300–350 million
Super Bowl wins 0 7
Years as starter 10 22
Career passing yards 42,030 89,214

Why this matters: Cousins’ contract guarantees have reshaped the quarterback market. He may never match Brady’s legacy, but his financial structure—fully guaranteed deals at every stop—has become a template for star QBs.

Kirk Cousins Career Timeline

  • 2012–2017 – Played for Washington Redskins (backup then starter)
  • 2018–2023 – Signed with Minnesota Vikings; led team to playoffs
  • 2024 – Signed with Atlanta Falcons; benched mid-season
  • March 2025 – Released by Falcons
  • April 2025 – Signed with Las Vegas Raiders
  • 2025 season – Named Raiders starting QB

Confirmed facts

  • Cousins signed with Raiders in April 2025 (Over the Cap)
  • He was released by Falcons in March 2025 (CBS Sports)
  • His career salary surpassed Tom Brady’s after the Raiders contract (Bleacher Report)
  • He played for Washington, Minnesota, Atlanta, and Las Vegas

What’s unclear

  • Whether Cousins will remain starter for the full 2025 season
  • His exact net worth is not publicly disclosed
  • His political affiliation is not explicitly stated
  • Long-term future after one-year Raiders deal

Key Quotes

“I want back in the saddle next year.”

— Kirk Cousins, speaking after his release from the Falcons (NFL.com)

“Cousins will sign a one-year, $10 million deal with the Raiders, a move that resets his career trajectory and adds another $10 million to his all-time earnings.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN (ESPN)

For the Raiders, the gamble is modest: a one-year commitment to a quarterback who has shown he can win in the regular season. For Cousins, the stakes are personal. He left Atlanta under a cloud of benching and injury questions. If he falters, the narrative of a declining passer will harden. If he succeeds, he might rewrite the end of his career on his own terms.

Additional sources

timesofindia.indiatimes.com, sports.yahoo.com, youtube.com, reddit.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, youtube.com, tiktok.com

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Frequently asked questions

What team does Kirk Cousins play for now?

The Las Vegas Raiders.

How much is Kirk Cousins worth?

Estimated net worth of $90–100 million.

Is Kirk Cousins better than Tom Brady?

On-field earnings: Cousins now leads. On stats, rings, and endorsements: Brady is far ahead.

Why did the Falcons release Kirk Cousins?

After benching him in 2024, the Falcons decided to move on to save cap space and start a new direction.

What is Kirk Cousins’ biggest career achievement?

Four Pro Bowls and a career completion percentage that ranks sixth all-time.

Does Kirk Cousins have any endorsements?

He has had deals with Nike, Pepsi, and others, but his endorsement income is modest compared to top QBs.