Raiders Sign QB Kirk Cousins to Bolster Offense

Four-time Pro Bowler brings veteran leadership and proven production to Las Vegas

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:55am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a quarterback dropping back to pass, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in silver, black, and metallic tones, conveying the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of professional football.The Raiders' new veteran QB brings a wealth of experience and leadership to their offense.East Lansing Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a multi-year deal, adding a proven signal-caller to their offense. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, ranks among the top active quarterbacks in several key statistical categories, including passing yards, passing touchdowns, and career wins. The Raiders' new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, previously worked with Cousins in Minnesota, where the QB had some of the best seasons of his career.

Why it matters

The Raiders are looking to build on a promising 2022 season and make a deep playoff run. Bringing in an experienced quarterback like Cousins, who has a history of success and leadership, could provide a significant boost to their offense and help elevate the team to the next level in the competitive AFC West division.

The details

Cousins, a fourth-round draft pick by Washington in 2012, has carved out a successful 15-year NFL career. He has thrown for over 44,700 yards and 298 touchdowns, ranking him among the top active quarterbacks in those categories. Cousins is also known for his ability to lead game-winning drives, with 88 career wins as a starter. His connection with new Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who was his position coach and coordinator in Minnesota, is expected to help Cousins transition smoothly to his new team.

  • Cousins signed with the Raiders on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • He spent the previous three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he had a resurgent finish to the 2025 campaign after overcoming an early-season injury.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A four-time Pro Bowl quarterback who has played 15 seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Atlanta Falcons. Cousins is known for his consistent production, leadership, and ability to win close games.

Klint Kubiak

The new offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously worked with Cousins as his quarterback coach and offensive coordinator in Minnesota, where Cousins had some of the best seasons of his career.

Michael Penix Jr.

The quarterback drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, who eventually took over the starting job from Cousins during the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“It's been an excellent relationship, mainly because he demands so much out of his coaches because of the way he prepares. So every day that I've been in the building with Kirk, I've become a better coach. Nobody is working harder than him mentally and then getting his body ready for Sunday. I think, as we move on to this next step, I don't see very much changing. We've got to get closer in order for us to keep moving forward.”

— Klint Kubiak, Offensive Coordinator, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

The Raiders will look to integrate Cousins into their offense during the offseason program and training camp, with the goal of having him ready to lead the team's playoff push in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The addition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins represents a significant upgrade for the Raiders' offense and a clear commitment to building a championship-caliber team. Cousins' proven track record of success, combined with his familiarity with the offensive coordinator, makes him an ideal fit to help the Raiders take the next step in the AFC West.