👉👉 follow fb_universe for more From 4th-round backup to the highest-earning "dork" in NFL history. As of February 20, 2026, Kirk Cousins is once again the most talked-about name in the NFL "business" world. After a 2025 season where he played the role of the ultimate pro—starting as a backup to Michael Penix Jr. before stepping back into the fire to lead a late-season 4-game win streak—Kirk has officially entered his "Free Agent Era" once more. The Falcons restructured his contract last month, effectively setting a deadline for his release by March 13, 2026. At 37 years old, "Captain Kirk" proved he’s still got the juice, throwing for over 1,700 yards in just 8 starts to close out the year after Penix’s injury. Whether he signs one last "bridge" deal with a contender or transitions to the CBS broadcast booth (where he thrived during the 2025 playoffs), his legacy as the most financially savvy player to ever strap on a helmet is secure. Will Kirk Cousins take one last shot at a r...