Raiders Sign QB Kirk Cousins to Mega-Deal

Cousins now second in career earnings among NFL players, surpassing Tom Brady.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:14pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action of the play.Cousins' record-breaking contract with the Raiders highlights the soaring value of top NFL quarterbacks.Atlanta Today

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed a lucrative five-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, worth a reported $150 million. The deal includes $20 million in guaranteed money for the 2026 season, pushing Cousins' career earnings past $342 million and making him the second-highest paid player in NFL history behind only Tom Brady.

Why it matters

Cousins' massive new contract with the Raiders further cements his status as one of the league's top quarterbacks and highest-paid players. The deal also highlights the continued rise in quarterback salaries across the NFL, with teams willing to invest heavily in proven veteran talent at the game's most important position.

The details

Cousins, who is 33 years old, previously spent two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons after a long tenure with the Washington Commanders. His new five-year contract with the Raiders is worth a reported $150 million, including $20 million in fully guaranteed money for the 2026 season. This pushes Cousins' career earnings to nearly $342 million, surpassing the $333 million earned by legendary quarterback Tom Brady over his 23-year NFL career.

  • Cousins signed the new contract with the Raiders on April 3, 2026.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 33-year-old veteran quarterback who has now signed a lucrative five-year, $150 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Tom Brady

The legendary NFL quarterback who previously held the record for highest career earnings, with $333 million earned over his 23-year career.

Las Vegas Raiders

The NFL franchise that has signed Kirk Cousins to a five-year, $150 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.

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What’s next

The Raiders will look to integrate Cousins into their offense and make a push for the playoffs in the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Cousins' massive new contract with the Raiders underscores the continued rise in quarterback salaries across the NFL, as teams are willing to invest heavily in proven veteran talent at the game's most important position.