Kirk Cousins once rejected a staggering $90million offer from the New York Jets, opting instead to join the Minnesota Vikings.
While Cousins set the record for the highest-paid player at the time when he signed the dotted line for the Vikings in an $84million over three year deal in 2018, he could have been $6million better off in NYC. Instead, Cousins and his agent Mike McCartney used the hefty offer as a bargaining chip to clinch a deal with the Vikings that was not only lucrative but also had the structure he desired.
Cousins emphasized the importance of contract details beyond just the total sum, saying: “As much as the overall dollars are important in a contract, I think in my situation, structure is as important, if not more important.” He also added that he had a preference for guaranteed money to give him financial security.
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Cousins spoke about the value of team dynamics and leadership, saying: “You know, you like to see the guys that people have worked with because you know that is going to affect their leadership style. For me, it’s important to not only be with a guy who I think can help us win, but to be with a guy who I think can help us win and make it enjoyable.”
His decision reflected a balance between monetary gain and the quality of the professional environment. The Illinois-born sensation had his heart set on wrapping up his career in Minnesota, expressing last year his vision for his final plays with the Vikings. The now 36-year-old athlete last year sharing: “It’s always been that way since I got here.
“I always wanted to be a one-team quarterback and that didn’t happen in Washington. Then I said, ‘well, I’d like to be a two-team quarterback and, quite honestly, have enough success in Minnesota that people only remember me as a Viking’. That would certainly be my desire but I’ve also learned in this league you don’t always get what you want.
Cousins signed for the Falcons this year (
Getty Images)
“So, we’ll see what happens. I understand there are a lot of options but it’s my desire to be a Viking, retire a Viking and finish my career here.” Despite his dreams, fate had other plans, and Cousins ultimately left the team he held dear to join the Atlanta Falcons earlier this year.
His tenure with the Vikings was cut short by a season-ending torn Achilles during an October 2023 game against the Green Bay Packers, landing him on the injured reserve list. Cousins then inked a deal with the Falcons in March, securing a $180million contract with $100million guaranteed.
He made his first appearance for the Falcons on September 8 in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he completed 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards, notched one touchdown, and threw two interceptions. Despite his efforts, the Steelers clinched the game with an 18-10 victory.
The Falcons are currently in second place in the NFL South standings, with a record of two wins and two losses. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leading the pack with three victories and one defeat.
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