Kirk Cousins is arguably the greatest businessman in NFL history. While his playoff resume often sparks debate, his ability to secure fully guaranteed contracts has made him one of the wealthiest athletes in American sports.
Cousins finds himself in a unique position with the Atlanta Falcons—navigating a massive contract, a first-round rookie replacement, and a dramatic return to the starting lineup.
In this article, you will know Kirk Cousins’ Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Kirk Cousins’ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kirk Daniel Cousins |
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1988 |
| Age | 37 |
| Education | Michigan State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 (4th Round Pick) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $140 Million – $160 Million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Over $330 Million (Through 2025 season) |
| Wife | Julie Hampton |
| Instagram Profile | @kirkcousins |
| Twitter Profile | @KirkCousins8 |
Early Career
Kirk Cousins grew up in Illinois before moving to Holland, Michigan, where he attended Holland Christian High School. Unlike many future NFL stars who were five-star recruits, Cousins had to grind for recognition.
He committed to Michigan State University, where he initially sat on the bench. He eventually won the starting job and became a three-time captain for the Spartans, a testament to the leadership skills that would later define his pro career.
Despite a successful college tenure that included a Big Ten championship, NFL scouts viewed him as a mid-tier prospect. In the 2012 NFL Draft, he was selected in the fourth round by the Washington Redskins.
This selection was controversial at the time because Washington had already drafted Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick in the same draft. Cousins began his career as a backup, waiting for his opportunity to prove he belonged as a starter.
Professional Career
Cousins’ professional journey is defined by betting on himself. After RGIII suffered injuries, Cousins took over in Washington and played well enough to earn the “franchise tag” twice.
He refused low-ball long-term offers, eventually leaving for the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 on a historic, fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract.
He spent six productive seasons in Minnesota, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and cementing his status as a top-tier passer.
In March 2024, Cousins signed a massive four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. His time in Atlanta has been a rollercoaster. After a solid start to the 2024 season, he faced struggles and was briefly benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. late in the year.
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However, the 2025 season brought another twist. Following a season-ending injury to Penix in November 2025, Cousins reclaimed the starting role, once again proving his durability and value as a veteran leader in the locker room.
Wife
Kirk Cousins is married to Julie Hampton. The couple met through a mutual family friend and dated for about a year and a half before getting engaged.
Kirk famously proposed to Julie on the balcony of the Speaker of the House’s office at the U.S. Capitol in 2013, leveraging his connections in Washington D.C. to create a memorable moment. They tied the knot on June 28, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Julie and Kirk have two sons, Cooper and Turner. The family is well-known for their philanthropic efforts through the Julie & Kirk Cousins Foundation, which supports numerous faith-based and community organizations.
Julie is often seen at games supporting Kirk, and the family gained even more popularity after being featured in the Netflix docuseries Quarterback, which showcased their close-knit dynamic and normal suburban lifestyle despite Kirk’s fame.
Kirk Cousins’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Kirk Cousins has an estimated net worth ranging between $140 million and $160 million. This figure is derived from his unprecedented success in contract negotiations, where he prioritizes guaranteed cash over “fluff” numbers.
Contract
Kirk Cousins is currently playing under a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, signed in March 2024.
The deal included a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million in total guarantees. For the 2025 season, his contract structure ensured he remained one of the highest-paid players in the league, regardless of his position on the depth chart.
Salary
For the 2025 NFL season, Cousins earned a base salary of $27.5 million, which was fully guaranteed. In addition, he received a $10 million roster bonus in March 2025.
This brings his total cash earnings for the 2025 calendar year to $37.5 million. His contract also carries a significant salary cap hit of $40 million for the Falcons in 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year/Team | Earnings Category | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-2015 (WAS) | Rookie Contract | ~$2.5 Million |
| 2016 (WAS) | Franchise Tag | $19.9 Million |
| 2017 (WAS) | Franchise Tag | $23.9 Million |
| 2018-2020 (MIN) | 1st Vikings Contract | $84 Million |
| 2021-2023 (MIN) | Vikings Extensions | ~$96 Million |
| 2024 (ATL) | Signing Bonus + Salary | $62.5 Million |
| 2025 (ATL) | Salary + Roster Bonus | $37.5 Million |
| Total | Career Cash Earnings | ~$331 Million |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Career Total (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 160+ |
| Passing Yards | 43,800+ |
| Passing Touchdowns | 290+ |
| Interceptions | 115+ |
| Completion % | ~66.9% |
| Passer Rating | ~98.0 |
FAQs
1. Is Kirk Cousins the starter for the Falcons?
Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. He regained the role after rookie Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury in November 2025.
2. How much money did Kirk Cousins make?
Kirk Cousins took home $37.5 million in cash during the 2025 season. This sum consists of his fully guaranteed $27.5 million base salary and a $10 million roster bonus paid in March.
3. What is Kirk Cousins’ net worth?
Kirk Cousins has an estimated net worth of roughly $160 million. His wealth comes almost entirely from his NFL contracts, which have totaled over $330 million in career earnings by the end of 2025.
4. Why was Kirk Cousins benched?
Cousins was briefly benched late in the 2024 season and replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr. after the team struggled during a stretch of games, though he returned to the lineup in 2025 due to Penix’s injury.
5. How long is Kirk Cousins’ contract?
Kirk Cousins signed a four-year contract with the Falcons in 2024. The deal runs through the 2027 season, though the team has potential “out” options in the later years of the agreement regarding the salary cap.
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