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Raiders Land Kirk Cousins to Guide Expected No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza

The signing positions Las Vegas to ease its rookie quarterback into the job.

Overview

  • Cousins agreed to join Las Vegas on Thursday, his agent Mike McCartney confirmed, giving the Raiders a veteran in the quarterback room before the April draft.
  • Multiple reports describe a front-loaded deal functionally guaranteed for one year at about $20 million with team options beyond that and some 2026 pay still coming from the Falcons.
  • Head coach Klint Kubiak has said he prefers a rookie to learn behind a “mature adult,” and Cousins reunites with him after their seasons together in Minnesota.
  • The addition sets up Cousins as the likely Week 1 starter while the club manages Fernando Mendoza’s transition and leaves Aidan O’Connell’s role uncertain.
  • Before landing Cousins, Las Vegas explored other veteran options, including an unsuccessful bid for Joe Flacco, and remains widely expected to draft Heisman winner Mendoza first overall later this month.