Kirk Cousins Joins Las Vegas Raiders, Sees Bright Future

Veteran QB believes Raiders' resources, coaching staff, and young core make Vegas the perfect next chapter

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:32am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a quarterback in the midst of a passing play, with the player's form fractured into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Raiders' signature colors of silver, black, and red.Cousins' arrival in Las Vegas signals the Raiders' commitment to building a contender through a mix of veteran leadership and young talent.Las Vegas Today

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, citing the team's coaching staff, facilities, and young talent as key factors in his decision. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, is looking to finish his career strong and help guide the Raiders to success.

Why it matters

Cousins' arrival in Las Vegas adds an experienced, proven quarterback to a Raiders team that is building around a young core. His leadership and expertise could be invaluable as the Raiders aim to become a contender in the AFC.

The details

Cousins, who spent the last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, signed with the Raiders on Monday. He cited his familiarity with head coach Klint Kubiak and several offensive assistants as a major draw, having worked with them previously in Minnesota. Cousins also praised the Raiders' facilities and the team's commitment to providing the resources needed to win.

  • Cousins signed his contract with the Raiders on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • He spent the previous two seasons (2024-2025) with the Atlanta Falcons.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback with 14 years of NFL experience, including four Pro Bowl selections. He joins the Raiders after spending the last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously worked with Cousins as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

Ashton Jeanty

A young core player for the Raiders, part of the foundation that Cousins believes can grow quickly.

Brock Bowers

Another young core player for the Raiders, joining Jeanty as part of the foundation that Cousins believes can grow quickly.

Tyler Linderbaum

A high-profile free agent signing by the Raiders, adding to the young talent that Cousins is excited to work with.

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What they’re saying

“Best jerseys in pro sports I think. I remember being in warm-ups once playing the Raiders and our head coach looked at me and said, 'Those have to be the best jerseys that they are in pro sports.' And I said, 'You know what Coach, I have to agree. Those are really sharp.'”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

“A lot of conversions and meetings to learn how he sees football and he was able to learn how I see it. He called plays for me in 2021, which I look back now and feel like that was objectively probably the best season I ever had. And I think a lot of that has to do with Klint and his ability to put together strong game plans and call games well.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

“I can tell in just being here at the facility today that, from ownership to management, the resources are being put in place here to give us all we need to win. And now, us as players have got to go do it, but it starts there.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

Cousins will look to build chemistry with his new teammates and coaches during the Raiders' offseason program, with the goal of leading the team to success in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Cousins' decision to join the Raiders highlights the team's commitment to building a winning roster and providing the necessary resources for success. His experience and leadership could be invaluable as the Raiders aim to become a contender in the AFC.