Raiders Sign Veteran QB Kirk Cousins to Short-Term Deal

Cousins joins Las Vegas on a one-year contract with potential extension, expected to mentor top draft pick.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:55pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of silver, black, and red representing the Raiders' colors and the dynamic nature of the quarterback position.A cubist interpretation of the veteran quarterback's move to mentor a young star-in-the-making, as the Raiders prepare for a new era under center.Atlanta Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a one-year, $20 million fully guaranteed contract with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The 37-year-old four-time Pro Bowler is expected to serve as a mentor to the team's likely first overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, while also potentially starting early in the season depending on the rookie's readiness.

Why it matters

The addition of Cousins provides the Raiders with an experienced presence under center as they transition to a new era with a young quarterback. His veteran leadership and familiarity with the coaching staff could be invaluable in developing Mendoza, while also giving the team a reliable option if the rookie isn't immediately ready to start.

The details

Cousins joins the Raiders after being released by the Atlanta Falcons earlier this offseason. Atlanta will still cover $8.7 million of his salary, while Las Vegas will pay a $1.3 million base along with a $10 million roster bonus due next year. Head coach Klint Kubiak, who previously worked with Cousins in Minnesota, has emphasized the value of patience with young quarterbacks, suggesting Cousins will likely serve as a mentor before potentially starting if Mendoza isn't ready.

  • Cousins was released by the Atlanta Falcons earlier this offseason.
  • The Raiders are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who has been a four-time Pro Bowler over his 14-year NFL career, including stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons.

Fernando Mendoza

The expected first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who the Raiders plan to develop as their future starting quarterback.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously worked with Kirk Cousins during their time together with the Minnesota Vikings.

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What they’re saying

“Ideally, you don't want him to start from Day 1. You'd love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That's in a perfect world. It doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes they have to play from Day 1, and it's our job as coaches to get them ready to go.”

— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

The Raiders will select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Cousins will have the opportunity to mentor the rookie and potentially start early in the season if Mendoza is not immediately ready.

The takeaway

The Raiders' signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins represents a strategic move to provide stability and leadership at the position as they transition to a new era with a young quarterback. Cousins' experience and familiarity with the coaching staff could be invaluable in developing the team's future franchise quarterback.