Raiders Sign Veteran QB Kirk Cousins to Free-Agent Deal

37-year-old Cousins joins Las Vegas in bid to revive career after struggles with Falcons

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:13am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the complex dynamics of a veteran quarterback's career resurgence.A cubist interpretation of a veteran quarterback's last stand, as the Raiders take a calculated risk on Kirk Cousins' experience and potential upside.Atlanta Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a free-agent contract, taking a calculated risk on the 37-year-old QB who is looking to bounce back after a disappointing stint with the Atlanta Falcons over the past three seasons. Cousins, once a highly sought-after free agent, has seen his stock decline in recent years due to injuries and inconsistent play, but the Raiders are hoping his experience and potential upside can provide a much-needed veteran presence and help the team make a quick turnaround.

Why it matters

This signing highlights the Raiders' willingness to take a chance on an experienced quarterback despite his recent struggles, as they aim to bolster their quarterback room and find a leader who can help the team return to success. Cousins' career earnings rank third in NFL history, but he remains without a Super Bowl title, underscoring the fine line between success and failure in the league.

The details

Cousins, who has been in the NFL since 2012, signed the largest total-value free-agent deal in league history with the Falcons in 2024, only to be cut by the team after two years. His completion percentage and EPA per dropback were both below league average last season, raising questions about whether he can still perform at a high level. The Raiders are betting that Cousins' experience and leadership can help the team make a quick turnaround, despite his recent struggles.

  • Cousins signed with the Raiders on April 10, 2026.
  • He was cut by the Atlanta Falcons after the 2025 season.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who has been in the NFL since 2012, and is looking to revive his career after a disappointing stint with the Atlanta Falcons.

Las Vegas Raiders

The NFL team that has signed Cousins to a free-agent deal, hoping his experience and potential upside can help the team make a quick turnaround.

Atlanta Falcons

The team that signed Cousins to the largest total-value free-agent deal in NFL history in 2024, only to cut him after two years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Raiders will need to determine how Cousins fits into their quarterback depth chart and whether he can reclaim the starting role. The team's success with Cousins at the helm will be closely watched as they aim to make a quick turnaround.

The takeaway

The Raiders' signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that could either propel the team to success or leave them questioning their decision. Cousins' career earnings rank third in NFL history, but he remains without a Super Bowl title, underscoring the fine line between success and failure in the league. The team is betting on Cousins' experience and potential upside to help them make a quick turnaround, but his recent struggles raise questions about whether he can still perform at a high level.