Earlier this week, Kirk Cousins was rumored to be weighing his options, but now he’s signed with the Raiders. It seems he had a few choices. The Rams were looking at him as a backup for Matthew Stafford, especially if Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t return. The Packers also showed interest.
By choosing the Raiders, it looks like he didn’t find a clear starting job elsewhere. The Cardinals didn’t reach out, and the Steelers might have been an option if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t play in 2026.
The Raiders were aiming for a veteran player. Coach Klint Kubiak made that clear. With this move, Cousins turns a guaranteed $10 million in 2026 into $20 million, considering next year’s roster bonus.
Interestingly, Cousins may have also had an offer from CBS. With Matt Ryan leaving, there’s a spot open, and Cousins did well in his playoff coverage. However, it’s unlikely he would have made $20 million on TV this year. Television can wait; it will still be there when he’s ready.
The big question now is how much Cousins will play in 2026. At least this time, he knows the Raiders will likely look for a rookie quarterback in the first round—unlike two years ago when the Falcons caught him off guard by selecting Michael Penix Jr. shortly after giving him a $100 million guarantee.
In recent years, the NFL has seen a trend of teams choosing younger quarterbacks, leading to a more competitive environment. A report by the NFL Network highlighted that over half the starting quarterbacks in the league are now under 30. This shift could impact Cousins’ role in the coming seasons.
For Cousins, the transition to the Raiders means adapting to a new system and preparing for future competition. As he embarks on this journey, it raises discussions about how veteran players are valued in a league that’s increasingly favoring youth.
As fans, we might also consider how the social media landscape shapes our perceptions of these athlete decisions. Platforms like X and Twitter are buzzing with reactions, where fans celebrate or lament player choices in real time. It’s a fascinating aspect of modern sports culture.
For more on the evolving landscape of the NFL and player transitions, you can check out the NFL Network’s insights here.
