Kirk Cousins Joins TV After Faltering $180 Million Falcons Stint

Kirk Cousins is making a notable transition from the football field to the media landscape. The Falcons quarterback will join CBS’s pregame show, “The NFL Today,” for the upcoming Divisional Round and AFC Championship game. This shift comes in the wake of Matt Ryan’s departure from CBS to become the Atlanta Falcons’ president of football operations.

Kirk Cousins’ Struggles with the Falcons

Cousins signed a four-year contract worth $180 million with the Falcons, including $100 million guaranteed. This deal, made in 2024, has not met expectations. The team raised eyebrows when they signed Cousins, only to draft quarterback Michael Penix with the 8th overall pick that same year. In his first season, Cousins was benched for Penix after 14 games, despite the team still contending for a playoff spot.

Performance Overview

Throughout the season, Cousins found himself fluctuating between starting and backup roles. After Penix suffered a serious ACL injury, Cousins stepped back into the starting position. Here’s a summary of his performances:

• First season stats: 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 61.7% completion rate.
• Second season totals: 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, tied for the league-high with 16 interceptions.

In 2023, Cousins led the Falcons to a 5-3 record in his eight starts but struggled to deliver impactful performances.

Future Uncertain for Falcons Quarterbacks

The Falcons faced additional quarterback uncertainty as Michael Penix’s performance has been underwhelming with only 12 career starts and the need for ACL rehabilitation. This situation leaves Atlanta questioning its quarterback depth.

Coaching Changes

In the midst of these challenges, the Falcons made a significant coaching move. Head coach Raheem Morris was fired after two seasons, concluding with a disappointing 8-9 record, despite winning four consecutive games to finish the year.

Financial Overview

Throughout his career, Cousins has amassed earnings of approximately $321.7 million, according to Spotrac. He was initially selected in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington team, later becoming a full-time starter in 2015 and spending six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. This extensive career trajectory has now taken a turn as he contemplates his future beyond playing.

Kirk Cousins’ move to CBS marks a new chapter in his professional journey and reflects the evolving landscape of athlete careers beyond the field.