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 a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons. Drafted by the Washington Redskins in 2012 after playing college football at Michigan State, Cousins has established himself as a consistent and accurate passer in the NFL. He holds a high completion percentage and a strong passer rating, placing him among the league's all-time leaders in these categories.

Sections (4)

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

May 31, 2012: Signed Redskins Contract

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

December 15, 2012: First NFL Start and Rookie of the Week

On December 15, 2012, Kirk Cousins made his first NFL start against the Cleveland Browns, leading the Redskins to a 38-21 win. He was subsequently voted Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week.

2012: Drafted by Washington Redskins

In 2012, Kirk Cousins was drafted by the Washington Redskins 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 year after Robert Griffin III was deactivated.

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 Season Starter

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

2015: Became Redskins Starter

In 2015, Kirk Cousins replaced an injured Robert Griffin III as the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins, leading the team to a division title.

January 3, 2016: Redskins Single-Season Passing Record

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

March 1, 2016: Franchise Tagged by Redskins

On March 1, 2016, Kirk Cousins was franchise tagged by the Washington Redskins, preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

2016: Career-High Passing Yards

In 2016, Kirk Cousins led the team to a winning record of 8-7-1 and finished the season with a career-high 4,917 passing yards.

February 28, 2017: Exclusive Franchise Tag

On February 28, 2017, Kirk Cousins received the exclusive franchise tag becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to be franchise-tagged in consecutive years.

2017: Vikings Clinch NFC North

In a week 15 game against the Colts in 2022, the Vikings completed the largest comeback in NFL history and clinched the NFC North for the first time since 2017.

March 15, 2018: Signed with Vikings

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

2018: Signed with Minnesota Vikings

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

March 18, 2020: Contract Extension with Vikings

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

March 13, 2022: 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.

2022: 2022 Season Performance

For the 2022 season, Cousins finished with 4,547 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, leading the Vikings to a 13–4 record and a NFC North title.

2022: Career High Passing Yards

In a week 15 game against the Colts in 2022, Kirk Cousins completed 34 of 54 passes for a career-high 460 passing yards and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.