Kirk Cousins and the Raiders agree to a deal

Kirk Cousins, a veteran quarterback with over a decade of NFL experience, has officially agreed to terms with the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a new chapter in his career. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the details of the contract were not immediately disclosed, but this move comes just weeks after Cousins was released by the Atlanta Falcons.

The timing of the signing has caught the attention of the football world. It comes a mere day after Indiana University’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza showcased his skills at his Pro Day. Mendoza, widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, is expected to be the Raiders’ selection with the first overall pick. Cousins' arrival in Las Vegas may be seen as an opportunity for the seasoned quarterback to mentor the future face of the franchise.

Cousins, 37, has spent the majority of his career with the Washington Football Team and the Minnesota Vikings. His connection with Raiders’ head coach Klint Kubiak is particularly noteworthy.

Kubiak and Cousins worked together for three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, and Kubiak recently discussed his desire to avoid rushing a young quarterback into the starting role. This sentiment aligns with the Raiders’ current quarterback situation, where the team is looking to groom Mendoza without putting him in a pressure-filled starting role too early.

Cousins had a solid, though unspectacular, 2025 season. He completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. His QBR of 47.6 ranked him 22nd in the league, tied with rookie Bryce Young. However, Cousins’ leadership and experience will undoubtedly be an asset to the Raiders as they prepare for Mendoza's eventual ascension to the starting job.

The Raiders' quarterback room now includes Cousins, Aidan O’Connell, and the presumed future No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza. While Cousins may not be viewed as a long-term answer at quarterback, his primary role with the Raiders will likely be as a mentor to Mendoza. As Kubiak is known for his commitment to developing quarterbacks, having a seasoned player like Cousins in the locker room is a significant advantage for the young signal-caller.

Cousins will also serve as a bridge for the team during what is expected to be a transitional period. While there’s still uncertainty about whether Cousins will be the Raiders’ Week 1 starter, his veteran presence in the room could offer stability in the short term.