Super Bowl Champion Inspired by Falcons’ Kirk Cousins’ Enviable Business Decision

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones has something Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​would love to have: a Super Bowl title. But Cousins ​​has something Jones would love to have: impressive business acumen after signing his second big NFL free-agent contract.

In a video posted to X by the NFL, Jones explained why he tipped his hat to Cousins.

“Kirk Cousins ​​inspired me in a lot of ways,” Jones said. “I loved his contract situation. He played on the franchise tag, then signed a new contract and went broke with an Achilles injury. I love Kirk Cousins ​​as a businessman.”

QB Kirk Cousins ​​Got Big Money From Falcons

Not only did Cousins ​​cash in on a four-year, $180 million deal, but his $50 million signing bonus specifically excluded the pre-existing torn right Achilles tendon he suffered in Week 8 of last season with the Vikings, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. That means the Falcons will still have to pay even if Cousins ​​suffers the same injury again. And at 35, who’s to say how big a risk that is?

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told seattletimes.com last month that Cousins ​​is on the right track in his recovery process.

“He’s done pretty much everything you can do, and I see him doing more and more as we go on,” Morris said. “It’s nice to see him get healthy again.”

Another thing Jones must surely like about the Cousins ​​”company” is how he continues to get guaranteed money.

Cousins ​​signed with the Vikings in 2018, an unprecedented three-year, $84 million contract that was fully guaranteed. He has thrown for 23,265 yards and 171 touchdowns over the last six seasons. He has been to three Pro Bowls, so it seems the Vikings got their money’s worth.

Before moving to Minnesota, Cousins ​​had six solid seasons with the Washington Commanders. But the Commanders couldn’t afford to offer him more franchises and sent him to free agency.

The interesting thing about Cousins ​​going to Atlanta, with a wealth of offensive talent and a weak NFC South division, is the prospect of a playoff berth. And who knows? Maybe Jones will be chasing Cousins ​​around the football field in the Super Bowl instead of admiring his business prowess.

Chris Jones is also OK in terms of cash flow

It’s not like Jones is struggling to make his money. In March, Jones and the Chiefs agreed to a five-year, $158.75 million contract with $101 million in guarantees, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

Jones, 30, earned five All-Pro honors, including first-team selections in each of the last two seasons. He finished third in AP Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2022, when he racked up a career-high 15.5 sacks. Jones has 75.5 sacks and 273 tackles in his eight-year NFL career.