Kirk Cousins Joins Raiders, Reunites with Coach Kubiak

Veteran QB seeks familiar coaching, mentorship role for young QB prospect

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:52am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric representation of a football game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Veteran QB Kirk Cousins joins the Raiders, bringing his experience and leadership to mentor the team's future franchise quarterback.Las Vegas Today

Veteran NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with his former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who is now the Raiders' new head coach. Cousins cited Kubiak's 'great football mind' and ability to adapt to a quarterback's strengths as key factors in his decision. The move also puts Cousins in a mentorship role for the Raiders' expected future franchise QB, Fernando Mendoza, which Cousins sees as an important part of his legacy.

Why it matters

Cousins' decision highlights the importance of coach-player relationships in the NFL, as well as the strategic value veteran QBs can provide in nurturing young talent. The Raiders are building a promising young roster, and Cousins' experience and leadership could be vital in their quest for success.

The details

Cousins, a seasoned NFL quarterback, has chosen to follow his former coaches to the Raiders. Klint Kubiak, the new head coach of the Raiders, was Cousins' mentor for several years in Minnesota. Cousins praised Kubiak's 'great football mind' and his ability to adapt to the quarterback's strengths, indicating this was a strategic move to maximize his performance. The Raiders are also expected to draft Fernando Mendoza as their future franchise quarterback, putting Cousins in a mentor-like role to help develop the young talent.

  • Cousins signed with the Raiders in April 2026.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran NFL quarterback who has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with his former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously served as Cousins' offensive coordinator in Minnesota.

Fernando Mendoza

The expected future franchise quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, who Cousins will mentor as the veteran QB.

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What they’re saying

“Klint Kubiak has a great football mind and the ability to adapt to a quarterback's strengths. That's a big part of why I chose to join the Raiders.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

The Raiders will look to integrate Cousins into their offense and have him work closely with the expected future franchise quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, to help develop the young talent.

The takeaway

Cousins' move to the Raiders is more than just a simple player transfer - it's a strategic decision driven by trust, familiarity, and a desire to contribute to a growing team. Cousins sees an opportunity to not only perform at a high level but also to leave a lasting impact by mentoring the next generation of Raiders quarterbacks.