Quarterback Kirk Cousins is heading to the Las Vegas Raiders after signing a one-year deal worth $20 million. His agent announced the move recently, marking a big shift for both Cousins and the team.
Cousins, who is 37 years old, just wrapped up his 14th NFL season. He was let go by the Atlanta Falcons after two years, but now he’ll bring his experience to a Raiders squad that’s looking to shake things up. The Raiders have their sights set on Fernando Mendoza, a top prospect expected to be the starting quarterback.
Despite his past success—ranking 19th all-time in passing yards and 15th in passing touchdowns—Cousins has faced challenges recently. He started only 30 games over the last three seasons due to injuries. In Atlanta, he ended the season strong with a 5-3 record but struggled overall, sitting near the bottom in completion percentage.
Cousins initially signed a massive four-year deal with the Falcons worth up to $180 million in 2024. Now, after just two seasons, he’s made about $100 million from that contract. In his new deal with the Raiders, the team plans to pay him the minimum salary in 2026, with the Falcons covering most of his remaining guaranteed money.
With Cousins on board, the Raiders have added a solid backup for their expected rookie quarterback, Mendoza. Last season, the Raiders had just Aidan O’Connell on the roster, who struggled with injuries and a losing record. As the Raiders aim for a more competitive season, Cousins could play a key role in mentoring Mendoza as the team looks to rebuild.
Interestingly, Cousins has amassed $321.5 million in career earnings, making him third in NFL history for quarterbacks—though he’s yet to secure a Super Bowl title. He’s expressed that he felt he was playing under pressure this past season because of his contract’s structure.
As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming NFL draft, they show strong interest in Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner. This move suggests a clear strategy: nurture a young talent while still relying on the leadership of an experienced quarterback.
For further details on Cousins’ earnings and contract breakdown, you can check On The Cap’s detailed analysis here.
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Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Fantasy Football, NFL
