Falcons and Raiders Offset Kirk Cousins with $8.7 Million Deal
The Atlanta Falcons and the Las Vegas Raiders have reached a strategic financial arrangement involving quarterback Kirk Cousins, impacting both teams’ salary cap considerations.
Kirk Cousins’ $20 Million Deal Explained
The Raiders have devised a plan to allocate $20 million to Kirk Cousins for the 2026 season. Their strategy allows the Falcons to absorb $8.7 million of this total.
Details of the Financial Arrangement
- The Falcons carry a fully guaranteed obligation of $10 million for Cousins, which vested in March 2025.
- Initially, there was an expectation within the league that Cousins might be released before this obligation vested.
- Cousins’ market value for 2026 surpassed $10 million, leading the Falcons to believe they could avoid the obligation.
However, the Raiders created an innovative structure in Cousins’ contract. They have assigned a salary of $1.3 million for 2026, along with a fully guaranteed $10 million roster bonus due in March 2027. This structure permits the Raiders to effectively pay Cousins $20 million while only committing $11.3 million directly.
Impact on the Falcons
The arrangement leaves the Falcons responsible for the remaining $8.7 million under Cousins’ contract. Despite this financial burden, the Falcons do not appear concerned and plan to move forward without contention.
Atlanta’s New Quarterback
Compounding this situation, the Falcons acquired quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for $1.3 million in 2026. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins are responsible for an obligation of $52.7 million to Tagovailoa.
Future Implications of the Deal
It remains unclear whether the loophole allowing this financial maneuvering will be closed. Sources suggest it could remain intact. Any offset, even a minimum salary, assists teams in mitigating losses from unsuccessful contracts.
Furthermore, this structure can be leveraged by other teams seeking to sign high-valued players who are transitioning from costly contracts. It is, however, expected to be utilized sparingly, as younger players like Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray often opt for one-year deals to explore the market.
In contrast, a guaranteed second-year contract might appeal only to veterans nearing the end of their careers. Teams are generally cautious about extending significant commitments beyond the first year to players recently released from substantial agreements.
