Atlanta Falcons See Minimal Financial Relief in Cousins' Departure

The Atlanta Falcons will receive a significantly smaller financial offset than initially anticipated following quarterback Kirk Cousins’ move to the Las Vegas Raiders. While the Falcons could have received up to $10 million in offsets from Cousins’ agreement with the Raiders, they will ultimately receive just $1.3 million.

Contract Details and Financial Implications

On paper, Cousins signed a five-year, $172 million deal with the Falcons in 2024, but it was structured as a one-year, $20 million agreement. He will receive a fully guaranteed $10 million for playing in Las Vegas in 2026, and an additional $10 million roster bonus next March, also fully guaranteed with no offset. The Raiders also hold a two-year, $80 million option for 2027-28, and two void years (2029-30) for cap management purposes.

Dead Cap Hit for Atlanta

Despite the restructured deal, the Falcons will still incur a $35 million dead cap hit. However, this amount will be spread across the 2026 and 2027 seasons due to a post-June 1 designation.

Cousins' Career Earnings and Atlanta Tenure

Kirk Cousins continues to be one of the NFL’s highest-paid players. As of April 2026, his career earnings total $321.7 million, ranking third in league history. This new contract will move him past Tom Brady for second place, and potentially surpass Matthew Stafford for the most earnings ever if the Raiders exercise his option.

A Disappointing Run in Atlanta

Cousins initially signed a four-year deal worth up to $180 million with the Falcons in 2024, but the experiment proved unsuccessful. He finished his time in Atlanta with a 12-10 record, throwing for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.

The Falcons started strong with Cousins at quarterback, achieving a 6-3 record and leading the NFC South. However, injuries to his shoulder and elbow during a Week 10 loss to the Saints significantly impacted his performance. He concealed the injuries, resulting in one touchdown and nine interceptions over the following five games, as the Falcons went 1-4. Cousins was eventually benched, paving the way for the Penix era.

After starting the final seven games of the 2025 season, the Falcons and Cousins reworked his contract to ensure his release. This move officially concludes a two-year period that ultimately fell short of expectations.

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Garrett Chapman is a sports broadcaster, writer, and content creator based in Atlanta. He has several years of experience covering the Atlanta sports scene, college football, Georgia high school football, recruiting for 24/7 Sports, and the NFL. You can also hear him on Sports Radio 92.9 The Game.