How Much Is Kirk Cousins Getting Paid This Year

So, picture this: it’s a crisp fall Sunday, and you’re at your buddy’s house for the game. He’s got the chips out, the dip is flowing, and you’re both yelling at the TV as the quarterback drops back to pass. Suddenly, your friend turns to you and says, “You know, that guy just made more money in this one play than I’ll see in a decade.” That guy, of course, is Kirk Cousins.

And you know what? Your friend isn’t exaggerating. Kirk Cousins is getting paid an absolutely jaw-dropping amount this year, and it’s not just because he’s good at throwing spirals. It’s a whole saga of contracts, guarantees, and one very deep pocketed team.

The Short Answer (For the Impatient)

Let’s cut to the chase: Kirk Cousins is set to make a base salary of $35 million in 2024, plus a $25 million signing bonus that’s already hit his bank account. That’s a cool $60 million total cash payout for this season alone. But wait—there’s more (because with Kirk, there’s always more).

If you look at his cap hit for the Atlanta Falcons, it’s actually $25 million, which is lower than the cash because the signing bonus gets spread out over multiple years. Mind-bending, right? That’s the magic of NFL accounting.

The Big Picture: This Is a Record-Breaking Deal

We’re not talking about pocket change here. Kirk’s contract with the Falcons is a four-year, $180 million monster, with a mind-numbing $100 million guaranteed. Yes, you read that number right: one hundred million dollars is locked in, no matter what happens.

That makes him the highest-paid quarterback in Falcons history—and one of the top ten earning signal-callers in the entire NFL. Not bad for a guy who’s been called “Kirk the Clipboard” by haters. Who’s laughing now, huh?

Here’s the kicker: the Falcons structured this deal so that $90 million of that $100 million is paid out in the first two years. That’s a lot of zeroes arriving before you even unpack your moving boxes in Atlanta.

Breaking Down the 2024 Paycheck Like a Pro

Let’s get granular, because I know you love details. Here’s how the 2024 money shakes out:

Base salary: $35 million (paid in weekly game checks—imagine that direct deposit).
Signing bonus: $25 million (already cashed, probably on a comically large check).
Total cash in 2024: $60 million.

Kirk Cousins Contract Details: 💰$180 million NFL's highest paid player

But since the NFL is weird, his cap hit is only $25 million because the bonus is amortized. So the Falcons are effectively borrowing from future years to make him less painful now. Straight sorcery.

Side comment: If you’re thinking, “Wow, that’s more than my entire neighborhood’s combined salary,” you’re right. It’s more than the GDP of some small islands.

Why So Much? The Quarterback Tax Is Real

You might be thinking, “But he’s not Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen!” And you’d be correct. But here’s the thing: quarterbacks who are “good enough” get paid like superstars because supply is terrifyingly low.

The Falcons saw a team with a stacked roster but no leader under center. Kirk Cousins is their safe, reliable bet—the guy who will get you to the playoffs even if he rarely wins you a Super Bowl. And for that, you pay elite money. It’s the Law of the Modern NFL.

Also, Atlanta was desperate. They just watched Desmond Ridder fumble the season away, so paying a 36-year-old veteran $60 million in year one feels like a bargain by comparison. Desperation smells like money, my friend.

The Irony of It All

Here’s the funny part: Kirk Cousins is making more per game in 2024 ($3.5 million) than many of us will make in our entire lives. Yet, during preseason, he threw an interception on his first pass attempt as a Falcon. His reaction? A shrug and a smile. Because when you’re making $60 million, you can afford to laugh off a bad throw.

Kirk Cousins could be the highest-paid QB with an $84 million contract

And let’s not forget the guaranteed money. If Kirk gets hurt tomorrow, he still gets the full $100 million. That’s more job security than a tenured professor has. “So you’re saying there’s a chance I get paid to do nothing?” Yes, Kirk. Yes.

What This Means for You (Yes, You)

Why should you care about Kirk’s bank account? Because it’s a perfect lens into how sports economics work. When you watch a game, every deep ball is paid for by your cable subscription, your merch purchases, and those $12 beers at the stadium.

You are literally funding Kirk’s bonus. You’re welcome, Kirk.

So the next time your buddy rants about how overpaid athletes are, just remind him: “Yeah, but would you rather have the money go to the team owner’s private jet? Or to a guy who throws touchdowns on third down?” The answer is obvious. Probably still the jet, but let’s pretend otherwise.

Final Reality Check

Kirk Cousins is getting paid $60 million this year. That’s roughly $164,383 per day, or $6,849 per hour. While you’re reading this, he just earned your rent check.

And you know what? Power to him. He played the system, bet on himself, and cashed in. If I could throw a fade route to Justin Jefferson, I’d be counting my millions too.

So, how much is Kirk Cousins getting paid this year? Enough to buy a small fleet of Lamborghinis, or—if he’s smart—enough to buy a nice, quiet lake house and never work again. But since he’s a competitor, he’ll probably just go win a few games. And then immediately deposit another $100 million. Life’s good when you’re Kirk Cousins.