Kirk Cousins' deal-making ways are not done yet.
The 37-year-old NFL veteran has agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. With incentives and options galore, the deal guarantees $20 million in 2026 with the potential to scale up to a 5-year, $172 million contract.
This signing comes on the heels of Cousins' three consecutive deals with the Minnesota Vikings and 2024 contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He was guaranteed $100 million over four years with the Falcons, but was released after two seasons with the team.
Cousins made three Pro Bowl appearances in six years with the Vikings, and while he didn't live up to that form with the Falcons, he still netted Comeback Player of the Year votes in 2024. The question remains around how much Cousins has left in the tank.
He certainly has a lot left in the bank, however. Here are Cousins' career earnings compared to those of other elite earners.
MORE:Comparing Kirk Cousins to likely No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza
Kirk Cousins career earnings
When it comes to the highest-earning NFL players in history, it's nearly impossible to dodge Cousins' name.
While Rams QB Matthew Stafford has shot up to first over the last few seasons, Cousins remains a stalwart at the top of the earnings charts.
Add in the extra cash coming Cousins' way in 2026, and he inches closer to Brady's career earnings as well.
Entering the 2026 season, here are the top career earners in NFL history. These numbers are from Spotrac, and the full list can be found here.
Player Earnings Years
Matthew Stafford $408.3 million 2009-present
Tom Brady $333.0 million 2000-2022
Kirk Cousins $321.7 million 2012-present
Russell Wilson $316.9 million 2012-present
Aaron Rodgers $315.9 million 2005-present
Matt Ryan $303.7 million 2008-2022
Dak Prescott $297.9 million 2016-present
Drew Brees $271.5 million 2001-2020
Ben Roethlisberger $267.3 million 2004-2021
Jared Goff $259.6 million 2016-present
Since Cousins was released by Atlanta before signing in Las Vegas, his earnings in 2026 will be split between the two teams, respectively.
With young stars earning their own megadeals, Cousins' constant presence in the top five will likely come to an end over the next decade. In the meantime, however, Cousins has once again found a new deal.
MORE:What Kirk Cousins' signing means for Fernando Mendoza
Kirk Cousins contracts
Cousins has had a roller coaster of a salary during his NFL tenure. After beginning on a rookie deal, Cousins' contract spiked entering 2016. At his peak in Minnesota, Cousins made $40 million a year.
When he came to Atlanta, the Falcons took a risk in paying him $62.5 million in year one. And just a few short years later, Cousins was once again a free agent, hunting for another deal.
This season, his split salary means that the Falcons are still on the hook for $8.7 million, with the remaining salary being filled by the Raiders.
For the numbers that Cousins took home in each NFL season, here's a breakdown by year.
Season Team Salary
2012 Washington $862,688
2013 Washington $480,000
2014 Washington $570,000
2015 Washington $824,007
2016 Washington $20 million
2017 Washington $24 million
2018 Vikings $26 million
2019 Vikings $28 million
2020 Vikings $40 million
2021 Vikings $21 million
2022 Vikings $40 million
2023 Vikings $30 million
2024 Falcons $62.5 million
2025 Falcons $27.5 million
2026 Falcons/Raiders $8.7 million/$1.3 million
Total $331.7 million
Cousins will join the Raiders in 2026, leaving fans questioning how much playing time he will receive. The Raiders have the first pick in the 2026 draft, with QB Fernando Mendoza being a popular choice.