Kirk Cousins has earned $333 million in the NFL — more than Tom Brady. Here’s how.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has made more money in his 15-year NFL career than Tom Brady.

The Details

Yes, that’s right: Cousins, who’s never been to a Super Bowl, has earned more than Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time MVP.

How?

The short answer: Nifty contract structuring, fairly consistent play and an acceptance of risk.

Cousins, who started his NFL career in Washington, has earned approximately $333 million across contracts with four teams. He ranks fourth all time behind Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott, according to Spotrac’s NFL career earnings rankings through 2026. Tom Brady ranks fifth.

Of the top five, all but Prescott have spent time with at least two teams. Switching teams provides leverage in negotiations, just as it would in a more standard profession.

Cousins started on a standard four-year rookie deal after being drafted by Washington in the fourth round of the 2012 draft. He earned $2.57 million total on that contract.

Washington then franchise tagged Cousins in 2016 and 2017, meaning instead of giving him a long-term contract or letting him become a free agent, they kept him on two consecutive one-year deals. The franchise tag comes with a set salary based on position; teams can only tag a player three times. Each tag increases in value.