Kirk Cousins is set to embark on a new journey with the Las Vegas Raiders, as confirmed by his agent Mike McCartney. This move follows Cousins’ recent release from the Falcons at the start of the new league year.
At 37, this decision marks an interesting chapter for the veteran quarterback, especially after being caught off guard by Atlanta’s selection of a rookie in the recent draft. Just after signing a hefty $180 million contract, Cousins now finds himself likely teamed up with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who the Raiders are expected to draft first overall in 2026.
The Falcons’ general manager, Ian Cunningham, informed Cousins in late February about the decision, which wasn’t entirely unexpected given the adjustments made to his contract—specifically, slashing his base salary in 2026 from $35 million down to $2.1 million. Additionally, had he registered by March 13, he would have been guaranteed $67.9 million for 2027.
Cunningham stated, “With all due respect to Kirk and (quarterback Michael Penix Jr.), we felt like it was the right decision” during an interview on 92.3 The Game.
Since leaving the Vikings, where he enjoyed a six-year stint, Cousins’ career has seen better days. After signing that significant four-year deal with the Falcons in 2024, the team quickly drafted Penix Jr. in the first round a mere six weeks later. Cousins has openly said he was completely unaware of Atlanta’s plans to add another quarterback.
Over two seasons with the Falcons, Cousins took to the field for 24 games, throwing for 28 touchdowns but also racking up 21 interceptions. He found himself on the bench for Penix Jr. during Week 16 of the 2024 season and remained there until suffering a season-ending ACL injury in 2025.
The Falcons have since signed Tua Tagovailoa, released by the Dolphins earlier this offseason, which positions him as a competitor for Penix’s playing time.
Ending his time in Atlanta, Cousins posted a 12-10 record over 22 starts. Before this, he was a consistent performer during his 11 years split between the Washington Commanders and Vikings, appearing in four Pro Bowls and surpassing 4,000 passing yards on seven occasions, peaking with 35 touchdowns in a single season back in 2020.
His farewell in Minnesota came with a torn Achilles tendon during the 2023 season, marking a rather unfortunate end to his chapter there.
Throughout his 14-year career, Cousins has accumulated 44,700 passing yards—ranking 19th all-time—and 298 touchdowns to his name.
In the wake of his release, there were whispers about a possible return to the Vikings, as suggested by reports from The Athletic.
