Raiders Sign Kirk Cousins, But Vow to Play Best QB

Veteran QB embraces chance to mentor younger players and lead the locker room, even if he's not the starter.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:06am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an abstracted football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Raiders' quarterback competition between veteran Kirk Cousins and rising star Mendoza promises an intriguing clash of styles and experience.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a 1-year, $20 million contract with a club option for 2027. Cousins, who previously worked with Raiders offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, says he's excited for the opportunity to mentor younger QBs on the roster, even if he's not named the starter. The Raiders have made it clear they will play the best quarterback, whether that's Cousins or second-year signal-caller Mendoza.

Why it matters

The Raiders' decision to sign Cousins is a strategic move that provides veteran leadership and experience to the quarterback room. Cousins' willingness to embrace a mentorship role, even if he's not the starter, shows his professionalism and commitment to the team's success. This could pay dividends for the Raiders as they look to develop their younger QB talent while also remaining competitive in the AFC West.

The details

Cousins' 1-year, $20 million contract with the Raiders includes a club option for 2027. The deal structure reflects the Raiders' desire for flexibility and their commitment to playing the best QB, regardless of name recognition. Cousins is reunited with offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, whose system he highly respects. Additionally, Cousins will have the opportunity to learn from minority owner and NFL legend Tom Brady.

  • Cousins signed with the Raiders on April 10, 2026.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran NFL quarterback who has signed a 1-year, $20 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, with a club option for 2027. Cousins previously worked with Raiders offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak and is excited to mentor younger QBs on the roster.

Mendoza

A second-year quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders who is competing with Cousins for the starting job. The Raiders have made it clear they will play the best QB, whether that's Cousins or Mendoza.

Gary Kubiak

The offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously worked with Kirk Cousins. Cousins is excited to reunite with Kubiak and work in his system.

Tom Brady

A minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL legend. Cousins will have the opportunity to learn from Brady's wisdom and experience.

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What they’re saying

“We must play the best quarterback, even if that's not me. My job is to help this team win, whether that's as the starter or in a mentorship role.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

The Raiders will hold an open competition for the starting quarterback job during training camp and the preseason, with Cousins and Mendoza both vying for the role.

The takeaway

The Raiders' signing of Kirk Cousins is a savvy move that provides veteran leadership and experience to the quarterback room. Cousins' willingness to embrace a mentorship role, even if he's not the starter, showcases his professionalism and commitment to the team's success. This could be a win-win scenario for the Raiders as they look to develop their younger talent while also remaining competitive in the AFC West.