Kirk Cousins Embraces Fresh Start with Las Vegas Raiders

Veteran QB reunites with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, sees bright future with storied franchise.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of silver, black, and gold representing the dynamic energy of the game.Veteran QB Kirk Cousins embraces a new challenge with the Raiders, aiming to lead the team to success through his experience and leadership.Las Vegas Today

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins expressed excitement about joining the Las Vegas Raiders, citing his previous work with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and the organization's storied tradition as key factors in his decision. Cousins, who is entering his 15th NFL season, said he feels physically healthy after recovering from an Achilles injury and is eager to prove his best football is still ahead of him.

Why it matters

Cousins' arrival in Las Vegas represents a significant move for the Raiders, who are looking to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run. The veteran QB's experience and rapport with Kubiak could provide a boost to the team's offense, while his leadership and mentorship of younger quarterbacks like Aidan O'Connell and potentially Fernando Mendoza could also prove valuable.

The details

Cousins met with reporters on Tuesday for his first press conference as a Raider, calling the move 'a bit of a whirlwind' as he learns the new organization and city. He praised the Raiders' coaching staff, particularly Kubiak, with whom he previously worked in Minnesota, and said he's excited to be part of the 'silver and black.' Cousins acknowledged he has a lot to learn in terms of the offense's new terminology and concepts, but is eager to compete for the starting job, stating that the 'best player needs to play' regardless of who that is.

  • Cousins met with reporters on Tuesday for his first press conference as a Raider.
  • Cousins tore his Achilles tendon in October 2023 while playing for Atlanta.
  • Cousins and Kubiak previously worked together in Minnesota in 2021.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who is entering his 15th NFL season, joining the Las Vegas Raiders after previously playing for the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings.

Klint Kubiak

The offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously worked with Cousins in Minnesota in 2021.

Aidan O'Connell

A quarterback on the Las Vegas Raiders roster who Cousins said he looks forward to working with.

Fernando Mendoza

A rookie quarterback who the Las Vegas Raiders may draft, and whom Cousins said he would also look forward to working with.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a great couple of days. Excited to be with the coaching staff and be with this group of guys. Just feel really good about this group and about the chance to play here and be a part of the silver and black.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

“It's a real privilege to work with Klint again. I think highly of him as a person. I think highly of his system, his staff.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

“My football journey has been a journey of faith. We prayed a lot about coming here and just felt in our gut we had a peace about it.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

“The best player needs to play. If that's not me, I don't want to be out there. I don't think that's the best thing for the team.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

“I love seeing the quotes from Al Davis all over the building. I think my favorite is that the greatness of the Raiders lies in its future. The best is yet to come.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

Cousins will continue to learn the Raiders' new offensive system and compete for the starting quarterback job during the team's offseason program and training camp.

The takeaway

Cousins' arrival in Las Vegas represents an exciting new chapter for the veteran quarterback, who is eager to prove he still has plenty of high-level football left in him. His rapport with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and the Raiders' storied franchise history have him feeling optimistic about the team's future potential.