Kirk Cousins carries $57.5 million cap hit in 2025 despite December benching for rookie Michael Penix Jr creating NFL’s most expensive backup quarterback situation.
Falcons dedicate $60.6 million total QB room spending ($57.5M Cousins + $3.05M Penix) representing 20.6% of $293 million team ceiling.
Atlanta maintains $5-7 million over projected $279.2 million cap before accounting for restructures and releases. Dead money totaling $7.6 million spread across three former players (Grady Jarrett $4.1M, Justin Simmons $3.2M) creates minimal burden versus Cousins’ fully guaranteed $90 million through 2026.
Explore detailed Atlanta squad biographies and net worth breakdowns for each player.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Kirk Cousins | Bijan Robinson | Drake London |
| Michael Penix Jr. | Tyler Allgeier | Darnell Mooney |
| Emory Jones | Carlos Washington Jr. | KhaDarel Hodge |
| Easton Stick | Jase McClellan | Jamal Agnew |
| Nathan Carter | Chris Blair | |
| Elijah Dotson | Ray-Ray McCloud |
Top 10 Highest-Paid Falcons Players
Cousins’ $57.5 million charge dwarfs remaining roster with Chris Lindstrom ($21M) and Kyle Pitts ($10.9M) completing top three. Penix’s $22.8 million rookie deal provides cost-controlled backup through 2028.
| Player | Position | 2025 Cap Hit | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Contract Through |
| Kirk Cousins | QB | $57.5M | $35M | $12.5M prorate | 2027 |
| Chris Lindstrom | G | $21M | $15M | $1M prorate | 2028 |
| Kyle Pitts | TE | $10.9M | $10.9M (5th-year) | – | 2025 |
| Jessie Bates III | S | $9.8M | $5M | $1.6M prorate | 2027 |
| A.J. Terrell | CB | $9.6M | $4.6M | $1.25M prorate | 2026 |
| Grady Jarrett | DT | $9.3M | $6.5M | $703K prorate | 2026 |
| Drake London | WR | $8.9M | $3.1M | $1.5M prorate | 2027 |
| Matthew Judon | LB | $7.7M | $6.5M | $300K prorate | 2025 |
| Kaleb McGary | OT | $7.4M | $3.5M | $975K prorate | 2026 |
| Bijan Robinson | RB | $6.4M | $2.4M | $1M prorate | 2027 |
Cousins earned $62.5 million cash in 2024 ($27.5M base + $25M roster bonus + $10M completion) becoming NFL’s fourth-highest paid despite benching after Week 15. His 2025 payout remains $57.5 million fully guaranteed creating impossible cut scenario ($65M dead cap if released pre-June 1).
Lindstrom’s five-year $105 million extension (March 2023) pays $21 million annually making him NFL’s second-highest guard. His 2024 All-Pro selection validated investment protecting franchise quarterback investments.
Falcons’ QB Quandary: $90 Million Guaranteed Backup
December 2024 benching created unprecedented financial dilemma with Cousins holding $90 million guaranteed through 2026. Penix’s activation renders Cousins NFL’s most expensive clipboard holder barring trade before March 17 deadline.
Trade Scenario (Pre-March 17): Acquiring team assumes $27.5M 2025 salary + $10M 2026, Falcons absorb $37.5M dead cap 2025 with $0 in 2026.
Release Options: Pre-June 1 cut creates $65M dead money 2025. Post-June 1 designation splits $40M (2025) and $25M (2026) providing minimal relief.
Penix’s four-year $22.8 million rookie contract ($13.5M signing bonus, $5.7M annual cap hit) offers cost-controlled starter through 2028 if transition successful.
Wealthiest Falcons by Career Earnings
Cousins’ $160 million net worth leads active roster built through $231 million career NFL earnings. Lindstrom’s $105 million extension establishes long-term wealth foundation for offensive line anchor.
| Player | Position | Est. Net Worth | Age | Career Earnings | Key Endorsements |
| Kirk Cousins | QB | $140M-$160M | 37 | $231M+ | Nike, Bose, Pizza Ranch |
| Chris Lindstrom | G | $30M-$45M | 27 | $50M+ | Regional brands |
| Kyle Pitts | TE | $20M-$30M | 25 | $44M | Nike, Gatorade |
| Jessie Bates III | S | $15M-$25M | 28 | $55M+ | – |
| Grady Jarrett | DT | $25M-$35M | 32 | $85M+ | Local partnerships |
Cousins’ $160 million wealth stems from $231 million NFL contracts (Washington $96M, Minnesota $84M, Atlanta $51M earned) plus endorsements with Nike, Bose, Pizza Ranch generating $3-5 million annually.
His Kirk and Julie Cousins Foundation CinnaMinn Snaps cereal (2020-21) donated proceeds to charity.
Pitts accumulated $20-30 million rapidly through $32.9 million guaranteed rookie contract as 2021 #4 overall pick plus Nike and Gatorade partnerships. His 2025 fifth-year option ($10.9M) precedes potential $20M+ annual extension.
Cap Situation: Over the Limit Before Moves
Falcons project $5-7 million over $279.2 million cap requiring restructures or releases before March 17 league year opening. Cousins’ untradeable contract limits flexibility forcing creative cap management.
Current Obligations: $284.6 million committed against $279.2M ceiling creates $5.4M overage requiring immediate action.
Restructure Candidates: Lindstrom ($21M), Jarrett ($9.3M), Bates ($9.8M) can convert salary to bonus freeing $15-20M short-term while adding future cap charges.
Dead Cap Minimal: $7.6M total (Jarrett $4.1M, Simmons $3.2M, Logue $136K) ranks bottom-10 NFL providing clean books beyond Cousins’ guaranteed money.
2026 Outlook: $295.6M committed against projected $307M cap with Cousins ($47.5M), Lindstrom ($21M), Pitts (extension year) consuming 22.3% before free agent signings.
FAQs
Who is Atlanta’s highest-paid player?
Kirk Cousins carries $57.5 million cap hit ($35M base + $12.5M bonus prorate + $10M roster) despite December benching for Michael Penix Jr. His four-year $180M contract features $100M guaranteed creating $65M dead cap if released, making him NFL’s costliest backup quarterback.
How much cap space do Falcons have?
Atlanta projects $5-7 million over $279.2 million cap requiring restructures before March 17. Dead money totaling $7.6M (bottom-10 NFL) provides flexibility while Cousins’ $90M guaranteed through 2026 prevents typical QB cap relief options.
What is Kirk Cousins’ contract worth if benched?
Cousins earns full $180M over four years regardless of playing time. His $100M guaranteed includes $90M remaining (2025-2026) making trade only viable option before $10M 2025 roster bonus triggers March 17. Post-June 1 cut saves $15M cap 2025 but creates $25M 2026 dead money.
Which Falcons have highest net worth?
Kirk Cousins ($140-160M) leads from $231M career earnings and Nike/Bose endorsements. Chris Lindstrom ($30-45M) ranks second through $105M extension, Kyle Pitts ($20-30M) third via $32.9M guaranteed rookie deal plus Nike/Gatorade partnerships generating $1M+ annually.
How much is Michael Penix Jr’s rookie contract?
Penix signed four-year $22.8M deal (#8 overall) with $13.5M signing bonus creating $5.7M annual cap hit through 2028. His cost-controlled starter timeline provides financial flexibility while Cousins’ guaranteed money expires 2027, enabling clean cap transition.
