A surprise quarterback twist may be brewing in Las Vegas.
Just days after being released, veteran QB Kirk Cousins is already drawing interest—and the Raiders could be his next destination.

Raiders Eye Kirk Cousins After Falcons Release as Veteran QB Solution

The Las Vegas Raiders could soon be making a major move at quarterback.

Following his release from the Atlanta Falcons, veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins is expected to draw interest from the Raiders, according to NFL insider reports.

Las Vegas is reportedly exploring the possibility of adding an experienced quarterback as the team reshapes its roster for the 2026 season.

And Cousins might fit exactly what the franchise is looking for.

Raiders Want a Veteran Presence

New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has made it clear that the team would prefer not to begin the season with a rookie quarterback under center.

While Las Vegas is widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the organization still wants a reliable veteran option.

Adding someone like Cousins would give the Raiders a proven leader capable of stabilizing the offense while a rookie develops.

That type of approach has become increasingly common across the NFL, especially for teams transitioning to young quarterbacks.

A Familiar Coaching Connection

One reason Cousins could make sense in Las Vegas is his existing relationship with Klint Kubiak.

The two previously worked together during their time with the Minnesota Vikings, giving Kubiak firsthand knowledge of Cousins’ leadership style and abilities.

That familiarity could play a major role in the Raiders’ interest.

For a team installing a new system under a new head coach, having a quarterback who already understands the scheme could provide immediate stability.

Cousins Taking His Time

Despite the growing interest around the league, Cousins is not expected to rush into signing with a new team.

Reports indicate the veteran quarterback plans to carefully evaluate all available options before deciding on his next destination.

His top priority appears to be simple: a chance to start.

At 37 years old, Cousins likely understands that his opportunities to lead an offense are becoming limited.

That makes finding the right situation more important than simply signing quickly.

A Long and Successful Career

Cousins entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by Washington in 2012, and over the years he developed into one of the league’s most consistent quarterbacks.

His career has included multiple lucrative contracts, including:

A three-year, $84 million deal with the Vikings
A two-year, $66 million extension in Minnesota
A one-year $35 million fully guaranteed extension in 2021
A four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons

While Atlanta initially expected Cousins to lead its offense long term, his tenure ended quickly.

During the 2025 season, Cousins appeared in 10 games for the Falcons, starting eight.

He finished with:

1,721 passing yards
10 touchdowns
5 interceptions
61.7% completion rate

Now released, the veteran quarterback enters free agency once again.

A Possible Bridge Quarterback in Vegas

For the Raiders, Cousins could represent the perfect bridge quarterback.

If Las Vegas drafts a rookie like Mendoza, Cousins could begin the season as the starter while mentoring the team’s future franchise quarterback.

That combination of experience and stability could help the Raiders avoid rushing a young player into action too early.

What Happens Next?

At the moment, the Raiders are only one of several teams potentially monitoring Cousins’ availability.

But the existing connection with Klint Kubiak—and Las Vegas’ need for a veteran quarterback—makes the pairing a logical one.

If the Raiders decide to pursue Cousins aggressively, the NFL could soon see one of the offseason’s most intriguing quarterback moves.