The Atlanta Falcons are non-commital on Kirk Cousins entering an offseason where the Minnesota Vikings are seeking help at quarterback.
Speaking with local reporters on Thursday, January 8, owner Arthur Blank tipped his cap to Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury, while remaining lukewarm on Cousins returning in 2026.
“We look forward to having Michael back,” Blank said. “He’s had a good surgery. I spoke with the medical staff, seems to have gone well. Kirk, we’ll see what’ll happen with him moving forward.”
Blank addressed the media after firing coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot earlier this week.
But even before the braintrust that brought Cousins to Atlanta was fired, Cousins indicated that he’s prepared to move on.
Kirk Cousins Tips Cap to Testing Free Agency While Still Under Contract With Falcons
In a postgame interview following a 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints to close the regular season, Cousins was asked if he would return for a 15th NFL season.
“We’ll see what the market is like in March”, he replied.
Falcons QB Kirk Cousins spoke to @JenHale504 on his future beyond this season 👀
A few days later, the Falcons and Cousins agreed to restructure the guarantees in the final two years of his deal, making it easier to stomach releasing him before free agency opens on March 11.
“As part of the restructure, there is now a guarantee in the amount of $67.9 million for the 2027 season that vests on March 13,” ESPN Field Yates reported on Tuesday, January 6. “Given the highly unlikely nature that the Falcons or any team that would acquire Cousins via a trade prior to March 13 would want to be on the hook for that $67.9 million, a decision on Cousins’ future could come prior to that date.”
After Penix’s season was shut down in Week 11, Cousins took over a 3-7 team and won five of his final seven starts of the season. He threw for 1,291 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions in that span.
Cousins, 37, seems willing to continue his career while his former team in Minnesota is dealing with a quarterback crisis with J.J. McCarthy.
However, whether he is looking to cash in again or take a team-friendly deal remains to be seen.
Kirk Cousins Would Be Ideal Vikings Mentor to JJ McCarthy
The Vikings are in a precarious place at quarterback entering the 2026 offseason.
McCarthy has played just 10 games and still has untapped potential at 22 years old. However, the roster is ready to win now, and McCarthy is not where he needs to be to lead a team deep into the postseason.
The ideal scenario this offseason would be for the Vikings to sign a veteran quarterback who is capable of leading a team in the playoffs but also can take a back seat to McCarthy if the young quarterback has an improved offseason.
Cousins fits that mold after he did the same in Atlanta.
How Much Has Kirk Cousins Earned in His Career?
Cousins indicated he could test the market again this offseason could put him back at the negotiations table, where his agent has made hay throughout his career.
Earlier this season, Cousins saw a $10 million roster bonus toll for the 2026 season that elevated his career earnings to $331.69 million.
Cousins ranks third all-time in career earnings behind only Matthew Stafford ($408.32 million) and Aaron Rodgers ($394.31 million).
Here’s a full breakdown of Cousins’ yearly earnings in the NFL:
| Year | Age | Team(s) | Status | CashTotal | CashCumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 24 | WAS |
Active
|
$862,688
|
$862,688
|
| 2013 | 25 | WAS |
Active
|
$480,000
|
$1,342,688
|
| 2014 | 26 | WAS |
Active
|
$570,000
|
$1,912,688
|
| 2015 | 27 | WAS |
Active
|
$824,007
|
$2,736,695
|
| 2016 | 28 | WAS |
Active / Franchise Tag
|
$19,953,000
|
$22,689,695
|
| 2017 | 29 | WAS |
Active / Franchise Tag
|
$23,950,935
|
$46,640,630
|
| 2018 | 30 | MIN |
Active
|
$26,000,000
|
$72,640,630
|
| 2019 | 31 | MIN |
Active
|
$28,000,000
|
$100,640,630
|
| 2020 | 32 | MIN |
Active
|
$40,028,856
|
$140,669,486
|
| 2021 | 33 | MIN |
Active
|
$21,000,000
|
$161,669,486
|
| 2022 | 34 | MIN |
Active
|
$40,000,000
|
$201,669,486
|
| 2023 | 35 | MIN |
Injured
|
$30,000,000
|
$231,669,486
|
| 2024 | 36 | ATL |
Active
|
$62,522,768
|
$294,192,254
|
| 2025 | 37 | ATL |
Active
|
$27,500,000
|
$321,692,254
|
| 2026 | 38 | ATL | Roster Bonus |
$10,000,000
|
$331,692,254
|
| Total |
$331,692,254
|
$331,692,254
|
Falcons Announce Kirk Cousins Update Amid Vikings QB Concerns