Raiders Sign Veteran QB Kirk Cousins

Las Vegas brings in experienced passer to mentor top draft pick

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:50am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented football game scene, with sharp geometric shapes in metallic silver, navy blue, and crimson red tones, conveying the strategic planning behind the Raiders' quarterback situation.The Raiders' signing of veteran QB Kirk Cousins signals a strategic approach to developing their future franchise quarterback.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have officially signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a one-year contract. Cousins, a 14-year NFL veteran, will serve as a bridge quarterback for the team as they are expected to select a young QB with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Why it matters

The signing of Cousins gives the Raiders an experienced, reliable starter while allowing them to bring along their highly touted rookie quarterback prospect at a measured pace. This move signals the team's commitment to developing their future franchise QB while remaining competitive in the short term.

The details

Cousins, 37, has started 167 games over his 14-year career with Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta. He has passed for over 44,700 yards and 298 touchdowns. The Raiders will pay Cousins $1.3 million, while the Falcons will cover the remaining $8.7 million on his contract. New head coach Klint Kubiak had previously stated he would prefer not to start a rookie QB from day one, making Cousins an ideal stopgap solution.

  • The Raiders officially announced Cousins' signing on April 7, 2026.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 14-year NFL veteran quarterback who has played for Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta.

Fernando Mendoza

The top prospect expected to be selected by the Raiders with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“I would prefer not to start a rookie Day 1. Cousins allows for Mendoza to sit, watch and learn initially.”

— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

The Raiders will now turn their attention to the upcoming NFL Draft, where they are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick.

The takeaway

The signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins gives the Las Vegas Raiders a proven starter who can mentor their highly touted rookie QB prospect, allowing the young player to develop at a measured pace while the team remains competitive in the short term.