Kirk Cousins was determined to continue his NFL career, and he wanted an opportunity where he’d have the chance to start. The former Minnesota Vikings quarterback got that opportunity, reportedly agreeing to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to his agent on Thursday. Cousins now reunites with one of his coaches from Minnesota: Klint Kubiak.
Kubiak, who took over as the Raiders head coach this offseason, served as the Vikings quarterbacks coach in 2019 and 2020, and as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2021.
Those three seasons overlapped with Cousins’ six-year tenure as Minnesota’s starter from 2018 to 2023. Now, the two will run things back in Las Vegas.
Former Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins to reportedly sign with the Las Vegas Raiders
While Cousins was the unquestioned starter during his time in Minnesota and had success with Kubiak, making two Pro Bowls in their three years together, their second go-around will be different.
While a starting opportunity is important for Cousins, it’s no secret what his role in Las Vegas is going to be. He’ll be the bridge veteran quarterback until the Raiders’ top-pick QB is ready.
Las Vegas currently holds the first-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it seems like a forgone conclusion that quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the selection.
However, Kubiak and the Raiders haven’t been shy about sharing their belief that young quarterbacks can benefit from sitting and learning behind a knowledgeable veteran.
Cousins will be that knowledgeable veteran in Las Vegas, serving as an example for Mendoza to learn from his experience. The veteran quarterback certainly has a ton of experience, playing 14 years in the NFL.
In addition to the Vikings, he has played for two other teams and has been through all kinds of NFL experiences. Starting a total of 167 games and playing in 174, Cousins has plenty of lessons that he could share with Mendoza.
It also helps that Cousins is often considered one of the pro comps for the soon-to-be No. 1 overall pick. Of course, starting jobs are earned on the field, though, so Mendoza will certainly try to prove that he’s ready to start in Week 1 of his rookie season.
If he isn’t, Cousins will drive the car until the Raiders are ready to upgrade Mendoza’s learning permit to a license.