HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have secured veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in a new agreement announced Thursday by his representative Mike McCartney, positioning the experienced signal-caller to mentor anticipated top draft selection Fernando Mendoza.
Under the financial arrangement, Atlanta will cover $8.7 million of Cousins’ salary this season while Las Vegas pays the remaining $1.3 million. An additional $10 million in guaranteed compensation is scheduled for next March, with the Raiders holding a two-year option worth $80 million.
Cousins acknowledged his new team by posting “The Autumn Wind…” on social media, referencing the iconic Raiders anthem that plays before each home contest and gained recognition through NFL Films.
The move aligns with statements from Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek, who previously indicated their preference against starting a rookie quarterback immediately. The rookie in question is widely expected to be Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy recipient who guided Indiana to an improbable national championship.
“Ideally, you don’t want him to start from Day One,” Kubiak explained Tuesday during the NFL owners meetings. “You’d love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That’s in a perfect world. It doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes they have to play from Day One and it’s our job as coaches to get them ready to go. I think it does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show.”
The 37-year-old Cousins brings 14 years of professional experience, most recently spending two seasons with Atlanta. The Falcons had committed to a four-year, $180 million contract before surprisingly selecting Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall just six weeks afterward.
During his Atlanta tenure, Cousins compiled a 12-10 record while starting 22 of 34 possible games. However, his 16 interceptions in 2024 topped the league despite appearing in only 14 contests. Atlanta subsequently released him before free agency began.
Throughout his career with Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta, Cousins holds an 88-77-2 record as a starter. His most successful campaign came in 2022 when he led Minnesota to a 13-4 season.
Mendoza showcased his abilities Wednesday during a pro day workout at Indiana’s facility, with representatives from all 32 NFL teams in attendance.
