Shannon Sharpe appeared stunned when discussing how much money Kirk Cousins has made in the NFL.

The newly signed Atlanta Falcons quarterback received a four-year, $180million deal that has been the biggest move in free agency.

Kirk Cousins has been paid like one of the best NFL QBs of all timeCredit: Getty
Factor in Cousins’ previous contracts with the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins, and the 35-year-old QB has made a ton of money, despite never coming close to the Super Bowl.

“Kirk Cousins has now made $330m guaranteed,” Sharpe said on the Nightcap. “All the while, he’s won one playoff game.”

Joined by former All-Pro wide receiver Chad Johnson, the duo debated Cousins’ NFL value.

But they also acknowledged he’s put up impressive numbers, even though he doesn’t have the playoff wins to justify such a large amount of money.

“Kirk Cousins is a very, very, very, very good regular season quarterback,” Johnson said. “He’s been very efficient.”

Sharpe seemed less impressed.

“All this notion it’s about winning — I don’t want to hear that,” Sharpe said. “Our listening and viewing audience knows, that is some bulljive.”

“He’s coming out on the winning end, regardless of playoff success,” Johnson added.

Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson debated Cousins’ value as an NFL winner

Sharpe didn’t seem to buy into Cousins’ staggering $330 million in guaranteed money
The four-time Pro Bowl QB is 76-67-2 during the regular season, completing 66.9 percent of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and a 98.2 passer rating.

But Cousins has had far less success in the playoffs, going 1-3, despite putting up good numbers in three postseason games with Minnesota.

Atlanta struggled at the QB position in 2023, leading to the firing of Arthur Smith as head coach.

Cousins will now try to win big with the Falcons under new HC Raheem Morris.

Either way, Cousins will be very well paid in Atlanta.

His career earnings are already at $231m and he could push past $400m if he plays out his full contract with the Falcons.

The media can debate Cousins’ value, but it’s obvious that the veteran QB is winning at life.