Kirk Cousins Secures $90 Million from Falcons Amid Uncertain Future and Penix Era

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to receive his full $90 million over two years, having earned $62.5 million for 14 starts last year and an anticipated $27.5 million for likely one start this season. His tenure in Atlanta is expected to conclude soon, as the Falcons, after drafting Michael Penix Jr. as their 2025 starter, held onto Cousins hoping for trade value, despite a $10 million roster bonus for 2026 becoming fully guaranteed. With no trade materializing, the team must decide on cutting him before the 2026 league year's fifth day. If cut, the $10 million is subject to offset, potentially reducing the Falcons' payout if another team signs him for more. Cousins will have earned $90 million for 15 games, averaging $6 million per game. A post-June 1 cut would result in $12.5 million cap charges in 2026 and 2027, while an earlier cut would incur a $25 million cap hit next year. The Falcons' significant investment in Cousins, which yielded limited returns, was largely to secure Michael Penix Jr. in the draft, placing immense pressure on Penix's performance.