Raiders Sign Veteran Quarterback Kirk Cousins

The Las Vegas Raiders have strengthened their quarterback lineup by signing an experienced player, defying expectations that they would select Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the first overall draft pick.

On Thursday, the Raiders finalized a deal with Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins, as confirmed by his agent. However, specific details surrounding the contract remain under wraps.

Cousins, now 37, had previously signed a four-year deal worth up to $180 million with the Atlanta Falcons, but he was released after spending two years there. In 2024, he found himself benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr. when Penix faced challenges due to an injury. Eventually, Cousins took on the starting role again, finishing last season with a 5-3 record, winning the last four games he started.

During that period, Cousins completed 61.7 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He currently ranks 19th in NFL history for regular-season passing yards with 44,700 and 15th for passing touchdowns with 298.

Cousins shares a good rapport with the Raiders’ new head coach, Clint Kubiak, who previously worked as his quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator during their time in Minnesota.

While the Raiders may bring in another veteran quarterback, they are still likely to opt for Mendoza in the draft. This comes after trading Geno Smith to the New York Jets amid a challenging season, leaving them with the top pick.

It’s uncertain whether Mendoza will play immediately, as both minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek have expressed doubts about his starting right away. If the team decides to draft Mendoza, they might choose to let him develop in the background while Cousins takes the lead from the start of the season.