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

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