Kirk Cousins Becomes NFL's Third-Highest Earner with Raiders Deal
Kirk Cousins has secured a one-year, $20 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, positioning himself as the third-highest-earning player in NFL history. With career earnings surpassing $341 million, he now trails only Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers. Notably, Cousins has achieved 99% of his career salary as fully guaranteed, amassing a record $339,369,288 in guaranteed earnings. Highest-Paid Players in NFL History (via Over the Cap) Matthew Stafford: $408,000,000 (2009-present) Aaron Rodgers: $395,812,794 (2005-present) Kirk Cousins: $341,469,288 (2012-present) Tom Brady: $317,619,794 (2000-2022) Russell Wilson: $315,840,12 (2012-2025) Cousins, drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, has navigated a unique career trajectory. After starting as a backup to Robert Griffin III, he rose to prominence with four Pro Bowl selections and playoff appearances with both the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings. His career has been marked by: 2012-2015: Rookie contract with Washington Commanders ($2.57 million) 2016: Non-exclusive franchise tag ($19.953 million) 2018-2020: First long-term contract with Minnesota Vikings ($84 million) 2021-2022: Contract extension ($66 million) 2023: Second contract extension ($35 million) 2024: Long-term contract with Atlanta Falcons ($180 million) Despite challenges in Atlanta, Cousins rebounded to secure his latest contract with the Raiders, where he is expected to serve as a short-term solution before the team likely selects Indiana Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick this draft. Cousins faces a pivotal moment, fully aware of his role in Las Vegas.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-03