Raiders Sign Veteran QB Kirk Cousins

Cousins joins Las Vegas on a 2-year deal after being released by the Falcons.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:05pm

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The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a 2-year contract, according to his agent Mike McCartney. Cousins, 37, was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons as they look to move forward with younger QBs Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Cousins brings nearly 45,000 career passing yards, 298 touchdowns, and 4 Pro Bowl selections to the Raiders, who are looking to bounce back from a 4-13 season in 2025.

Why it matters

The signing of Cousins makes sense for the Raiders as they look to turn things around with a new head coach in Klint Kubiak and the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Cousins has extensive NFL experience and familiarity with Kubiak's offense, which could help develop the team's potential future franchise QB.

The details

Cousins was released by the Falcons at the start of the new league year as they made clear their plan to move forward with third-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and fellow lefty Tua Tagovailoa. The 37-year-old will now join his fourth team since being selected by Washington in the 2012 NFL draft. Cousins has nearly 45,000 career passing yards, 298 touchdown passes, and 4 Pro Bowl selections.

  • Cousins was released by the Falcons at the start of the 2026 NFL league year.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who has spent 14 seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Atlanta Falcons.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' third-year quarterback who will be the team's starter moving forward.

Tua Tagovailoa

Another young quarterback on the Falcons' roster who will compete for the starting job.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously worked with Cousins when he was the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

Fernando Mendoza

The top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, who the Raiders are expected to select with the #1 overall pick.

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What they’re saying

“The Autumn Wind...”

— Kirk Cousins

What’s next

The Raiders will have to decide whether to start Cousins or allow him to mentor the team's potential future franchise QB, Fernando Mendoza, who they are expected to select with the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is a savvy move by the Raiders as they look to turn around their struggling franchise. Cousins brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the offensive system, which could help develop the team's young quarterback of the future.