Raiders managed to stick the Falcons with $8.7 million in Kirk Cousins 2026 pay
NBC Sports • • general
Key Points:
- Kirk Cousins was released despite having a fully-guaranteed $10 million for 2026, similar to Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray, but his guarantee was below his $20 million market value.
- The Las Vegas Raiders structured a deal to pay Cousins only $1.3 million in 2026, with the Atlanta Falcons covering the remaining $8.7 million, plus a fully-guaranteed $10 million roster bonus in 2027.
- This arrangement effectively makes Cousins a high-end backup quarterback for the Raiders, who will pay him $11.3 million total, while the Falcons bear 87% of his 2026 salary despite drafting a new quarterback shortly after signing him.
- The contract includes four additional years beyond 2027, likely with minimal financial commitment and a clause that could make Cousins a free agent early in the next league year.
- The Falcons are expected to be displeased with the deal, as they are paying most of Cousins's salary despite his role as a "bridge quarterback" for the Raiders.
