New Raiders QB Kirk Cousins Sees Las Vegas as 'Great Opportunity to Finish Strong'

Veteran QB joins Raiders on one-year deal, eager to mentor young talent and lead team's turnaround.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a football game or quarterback, with sharp geometric planes in shades of silver, black, and metallic accents, conveying the energy and movement of the sport.Veteran QB Kirk Cousins brings his experience and leadership to a Raiders team looking to rebound and build for the future.Atlanta Today

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, expressing excitement about the opportunity to finish his career on a high note. Cousins, who is entering his 15th NFL season, believes the Raiders' young roster and coaching staff provide the perfect environment for him to mentor up-and-coming players and help guide the team's turnaround after a dismal 2025 campaign.

Why it matters

The Raiders are in the midst of a major rebuild, having parted ways with former head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith after a league-worst 2-14 season. Cousins' arrival provides the team with an experienced, steady presence at the quarterback position to stabilize the offense and help develop the team's young talent, including potential 2026 first overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

The details

Cousins, 37, signed what is essentially a one-year deal with the Raiders, signaling he is nearing the end of his NFL career. However, the veteran QB believes he still has plenty left in the tank and views this as a great opportunity to 'finish strong' and 'leave a mark' before retiring. Cousins is reunited with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, whom he worked with in Minnesota, and is excited to mentor young players like tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty.

  • Cousins officially signed with the Raiders on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23, 2026, where the Raiders are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who has signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, providing them with an experienced leader to mentor the team's young talent and guide their turnaround efforts.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously worked with Cousins as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in Minnesota.

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana who is expected to be selected by the Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Brock Bowers

A young, up-and-coming tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders who Cousins is excited to play with.

Ashton Jeanty

A young, up-and-coming running back for the Las Vegas Raiders who Cousins is excited to play with.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I can tell in just being here at the facility today that, from ownership to management, the resources are being put in place here to give us all we need to win. And now, us as players have got to go do it, but it starts there.”

— Kirk Cousins, New Raiders Quarterback

“For me, I got more football behind me than ahead of me. And as a result, I see my time here as a great opportunity to finish strong. To leave a mark, to hopefully send things in the right direction, such that when I'm done playing, I can be proud of not only what we did in my time here in Vegas, but then what the Raiders are still doing.”

— Kirk Cousins, New Raiders Quarterback

“Going into Year 15 now, [I'm] trying to set a standard in the locker room. Just trying to be an available resource to everybody in the locker room that would want to ask questions or want to learn about what my journey has been like in this league, I'd love to help them anyway that I can.”

— Kirk Cousins, New Raiders Quarterback

What’s next

The Raiders will hold their 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, where they are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. Cousins will then work to mentor Mendoza and the team's other young talent throughout the offseason and into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Cousins' arrival in Las Vegas represents a crucial veteran presence for a Raiders team in the midst of a major rebuild. His experience, leadership, and mentorship of the team's young core will be essential as the Raiders look to turn things around and build a contender for the future.