Kirk Cousins has started for almost the entirety of this 13-season NFL career. And with a four-year, $180 million contract including $100 million in guarantees, he's being paid by the Atlanta Falcons like a starting NFL quarterback.

Kirk Cousins stays positive as backup, focusing on supporting Falcons and rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The quarterback situation in Atlanta has generated quite a lot of conversation ever since the organization drafted Michael Penix Jr. as their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed in March 2024, was benched after Week 14 last season and lost his starting job to rookie Michael Penix Jr. Cousins threw for 3,508 yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.