Career Timeline of Kirk Cousins: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kirk Cousins made an impact.

Kirk Cousins is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 2012 after playing college football at Michigan State. Cousins holds a high completion percentage and passer rating among NFL quarterbacks. He is also D'Shawn Jamison's Son.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: Redskins Draft Strategy

In 1994, the Washington Redskins drafted Heath Shuler and Gus Frerotte

2009: Won Starting Quarterback Job

In 2009, Kirk Cousins won the starting quarterback job against teammate Keith Nichol and led Michigan State to a 6-7 season.

2011: Robert Griffin III drafted

In 2011, The Washington Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III.

January 2, 2012: Final Game as a Michigan State Spartan

On January 2, 2012, Kirk Cousins played his final game as a Michigan State Spartan, defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in the Outback Bowl.

May 31, 2012: Signed four-year contract with Redskins

On May 31, 2012, Kirk Cousins signed a four-year contract with the Washington Redskins.

December 15, 2012: First NFL Start and Victory

On December 15, 2012, Kirk Cousins made his first NFL start against the Cleveland Browns, leading the Redskins to a 38-21 victory with 329 passing yards and two touchdowns. He was later voted Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week.

2012: NFC East division title

In 2012 Griffin III allowed the team to win the NFC East division title.

2012: Drafted by the Washington Redskins

In 2012, Kirk Cousins was drafted by the Washington Redskins as the 102nd overall pick in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

December 11, 2013: Named Starting Quarterback

On December 11, 2013, Kirk Cousins was named the starting quarterback for the rest of the season after Robert Griffin III was deactivated to protect him for the following year.

February 2, 2014: Open to a trade

On February 2, 2014, Kirk Cousins stated that he was open to a trade from the Redskins.

August 31, 2015: Named Starter

On August 31, 2015, Kirk Cousins was named the starting quarterback for the season over Robert Griffin III.

2015: Replaced Griffin, led team to division title

In 2015, Kirk Cousins replaced an injured Robert Griffin III and led the Washington Redskins to a division title.

2015: Highest completion percentage

Kirk Cousins had the highest completion percentage (74.7) in home games in NFL history during the 2015 season.

January 3, 2016: Redskins Single-Season Passing Yardage Record

On January 3, 2016, Kirk Cousins set the Redskins single-season passing yardage record with 4,166 yards.

March 1, 2016: Franchise Tag

On March 1, 2016, the Washington Redskins used the non-exclusive franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, resulting in a one-year, $20 million contract.

2016: Career-High Passing Yards

In 2016, despite missing the playoffs, Kirk Cousins led the Redskins to a winning record and finished the season with a career-high 4,917 passing yards, ranking third in the NFL.

February 28, 2017: Exclusive Franchise Tag

On February 28, 2017, Kirk Cousins and the Redskins agreed to an exclusive franchise tag, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to be franchise-tagged in consecutive years.

2017: Season Summary

In 2017 Cousins had multiple awards and achievements.

2017: Third Consecutive 4,000-Yard Season

The 2017 season marked Kirk Cousins' third consecutive season of passing for at least 4,000 yards, with 4,093 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

March 15, 2018: Signed with the Vikings

On March 15, 2018, Kirk Cousins signed a fully guaranteed three-year contract worth $84 million with the Minnesota Vikings.

2018: Vikings First Season

In 2018, Kirk Cousins finished his first season with the Vikings with 4,298 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

2018: Signed with the Minnesota Vikings

In 2018, Kirk Cousins signed a fully guaranteed three-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings for $84 million as a free agent.

March 18, 2020: Signs two-year contract extension with the Vikings

On March 18, 2020, Kirk Cousins signed a two-year, $66 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings.

March 13, 2022: Signs one-year contract extension

On March 13, 2022, Kirk Cousins signed a one-year, $35 million fully guaranteed contract extension through the 2023 season with the Vikings.

March 13, 2024: Signs with the Atlanta Falcons

On March 13, 2024, Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

April 25, 2024: Falcons draft Michael Penix Jr.

On April 25, 2024, the Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their first-round selection (eighth overall) in the 2024 NFL draft, without notifying Cousins beforehand.