After three weeks on the market, quarterback Kirk Cousins has joined the Las Vegas Raiders, marking his fourth NFL team in 14 years. He’s set to start as a bridge quarterback, potentially giving way to the No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza in 2026.
Cousins signed a deal that could reach up to five years and $172 million, but realistically, it’s a one-year, $20 million investment. The Falcons, who cut him last month, will cover $8.7 million of that. The Raiders will pay Cousins a base salary of $1.3 million, plus a guaranteed $10 million roster bonus next March.
If Cousins remains on the roster by then, a two-year, fully guaranteed option worth $80 million will kick in. However, it’s unlikely that option will be exercised. The deal includes two void years, keeping Cousins on the books through 2030.
At 37, Cousins’ value is down following two tough seasons in Atlanta, yet his negotiation skills remain impressive. He is on track to surpass Tom Brady in career earnings with his $10 million bonus next year, putting him over $341 million, while Brady finished his career at $333 million.
Cousins originally entered the league as a fourth-round pick by Washington in 2012, the same year they selected Robert Griffin III second overall. Griffin’s career faltered due to injuries, leading to Cousins taking over as the starter in 2015. Over his time in Washington, he earned around $44 million under franchise tags before moving to the Vikings. There, he made history with the first fully guaranteed contract worth $84 million over three years, and he secured two more extensions totaling $101 million.
In 2024, Cousins was signed by the Falcons for four years and $180 million, but they let him go mid-way. Now, he hopes to revitalize his career in Las Vegas, continuing a streak of 11 straight years with fully guaranteed contracts.
Cousins’ journey through the NFL highlights the evolving nature of quarterback contracts. With the average quarterback salary steadily rising—over $36 million in 2022, according to the NFL, and projections of $40 million in 2026—Cousins’ ability to secure long-term, guaranteed deals sets a standard that others may follow in the future.
As fans take to social media, reactions have varied widely. Many express optimism for Cousins’ fresh start, while others remain skeptical about his performance. The landscape of the NFL continues to shift, and Cousins’ new chapter will be one to watch closely.
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