Kirk Cousins is on the move again, and this time he's heading to the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2026 season. After a stint with the Atlanta Falcons where he played eight games, Cousins completed 61.7% of his passes, racking up 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
His efforts helped lead the Falcons to a 5-3 record. However, Atlanta released him to avoid a hefty $67.9 million payout for 2027.
Now, Cousins reunites with Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, a familiar face from their time together with the Minnesota Vikings. This move seems to be getting a thumbs-up from the NFL community.
Tone Digs from The Pat McAfee Show praised the decision, highlighting the benefits of having Cousins as a mentor for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. ESPN’s Damien Woody also chimed in, calling it a tremendous signing due to Cousins' leadership qualities and his rapport with Kubiak.
While Cousins' arrival doesn't shift the narrative that Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is likely heading to Las Vegas, it does provide a strategic advantage. Kubiak has expressed his preference for not rushing a rookie quarterback into action.
According to him, having a seasoned pro like Cousins allows a rookie to learn the ropes without the immediate pressure of starting. This approach could be invaluable for Mendoza's development.
With Cousins in the fold, the Raiders have a reliable starter who can handle the regular-season grind while Mendoza hones his skills. It’s a smart move that balances present competitiveness with future potential.