Raiders Sign Veteran QB Kirk Cousins as Potential Mentor

Former Pro Bowler joins team with top draft pick expected at QB

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a quarterback dropping back to pass, with sharp planes of navy, silver, and crimson red creating an abstract, deconstructed visual representation of the action.The Raiders' signing of veteran QB Kirk Cousins adds an experienced presence to mentor the team's young draft pick, while also giving Cousins one last chance to prove himself as a starter.Atlanta Today

The Oakland Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins during free agency, a move that may initially seem puzzling but could pay dividends in the long run. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, joins the Raiders after a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons, where he was expected to be the starter before the team drafted a young QB in the first round.

Why it matters

The Raiders hold the top overall pick in this year's draft and are widely expected to select a quarterback, likely Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Cousins' signing gives the team an experienced veteran presence who can mentor the young QB and potentially compete for the starting job if he proves ready.

The details

Cousins joined the Falcons last season expecting to be the starting QB, but the team then drafted Michael Penix in the first round, relegating Cousins to a backup role. Now with the Raiders, Cousins will have the opportunity to compete for the starting job, but is also expected to serve as a mentor to the team's top draft pick, providing valuable experience and guidance.

  • Cousins signed with the Raiders as a free agent in April 2026.
  • The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who has been named to the Pro Bowl four times over his 15-year NFL career. He joins the Raiders after a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons.

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from national champion Indiana, who is expected to be selected by the Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Michael Penix

The quarterback drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons last season, who took over the starting job from Kirk Cousins.

Rich Gannon

A former Raiders quarterback who believes Cousins' experience and commitment will be valuable in mentoring the team's young draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“He's put a lot of time in to get better at his craft and he's at the facility, he's learning this new offense. He's a guy that's going to be totally committed.”

— Rich Gannon, Former Raiders QB

What’s next

The Raiders will hold an open competition at quarterback during training camp, with Cousins and the team's top draft pick both vying for the starting job. The team's decision on who will be the Week 1 starter will be closely watched.

The takeaway

The signing of veteran QB Kirk Cousins provides the Raiders with an experienced mentor for their young quarterback of the future, while also giving Cousins one last chance to prove he can still be a starting-caliber NFL QB. This move balances the team's short-term and long-term needs at the position.