Raiders strike deal with veteran QB Kirk Cousins

Field Level Media|published: Thu 2nd April, 10:27 2026

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) on the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins agreed to a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, his agent confirmed Thursday.

Terms of the deal with the four-time Pro Bowl selection were not immediately available.

Cousins, 37, reunites with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, his position coach and offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings from 2019-21.

In Las Vegas, Cousins potentially could serve as a mentor for Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Raiders in the April 23-25 NFL Draft.

The only quarterback on the Raiders' current roster is Aidan O'Connell, a 2023 fourth-round pick who started 17 games from 2023-24 (7-10 record).

Cousins was released by the Atlanta Falcons on March 11, two years into a four-year, $180 million deal he signed with the club in March 2024.

Cousins struggled down the stretch during his first season with the Falcons in 2024, throwing 18 touchdowns to 16 interceptions and losing the starting job to rookie Michael Penix Jr. He played better when he stepped in for Penix after the latter's season-ending injury last November, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 TDs and five picks in eight starts.

Over 174 games (167 starts) in 14 seasons, Cousins has completed 66.7% of his passes for 44,700 yards with 298 TDs and 131 interceptions.

--Field Level Media

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