Falcons Restructure Kirk Cousins’ Contract for Cap Flexibility
The Atlanta Falcons have made significant changes to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins’ contract, aiming for enhanced salary cap flexibility. This restructuring was reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, detailing the adjustments between the Falcons and Cousins.
Details of the Contract Restructure
The restructured contract maintains all guaranteed money previously owed to Cousins. Notably, his base salary for 2026 has been significantly slashed from $35 million to just $2.1 million. This reduction resulted in a shift of $32.9 million, which has been allocated to his 2027 compensation. As a result, Cousins now has a $67.9 million vesting guarantee for the 2027 season, which will become official on March 13, marking the third day of the NFL’s 2026 league year.
Background on Cousins’ Contract
- Cousins was signed by the Falcons in 2024.
- The initial deal was a four-year contract worth up to $180 million.
- The Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in 2024.
Cousins’ Performance with the Falcons
During his first season with the Falcons, Cousins started 14 games. He completed 66.9% of his passes, averaging 250.6 yards per game. Throughout the season, he threw for 18 touchdowns alongside a league-high 16 interceptions. However, due to performance issues, Cousins was benched in Week 16 in favor of Penix.
Overall, Cousins contributed to a record of 7-7 in the Falcons’ 8-9 season. In 2025, after Penix suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 11, Cousins stepped in to start the remaining games. He played in 10 games overall, achieving a 61.7% completion rate and an average of 172.1 yards per game, with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. His efforts led to a record of 5-3 in that season.
Future Aspirations
Following the Falcons’ recent Week 18 victory over the New Orleans Saints, which concluded a notable four-game winning streak, Cousins expressed his desire to continue with the team. When asked if he wished to remain with the Falcons in 2026, he responded, “I would love to be back here. We’ll see how things play out. At this point, you kind of just see where it goes.”
