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Kirk Cousins signs with Raiders as bridge quarterback

Apr 7, 2026, 2:27 AM30
(Update: Apr 8, 2026, 11:18 AM)
American football player (born 1988)

Kirk Cousins signs with Raiders as bridge quarterback

  • Kirk Cousins has officially signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, taking on a starting role as a bridge quarterback.
  • At 37 years old and entering his 15th NFL season, Cousins understands his time as a starter may be limited as the team prepares for rookie Fernando Mendoza.
  • Cousins views this opportunity as a chance to leave a mark and positively impact the Raiders' future.
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Story

In April 2026, Kirk Cousins officially signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a significant shift in his lengthy NFL career. At 37 years old and entering his 15th year in the league, Cousins joins the Raiders after stints with Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta. He has had a commendable career, boasting 167 starts, 44,700 passing yards, 298 touchdowns, and 131 interceptions. The Raiders are expected to utilize the No. 1 overall pick on quarterback Fernando Mendoza, indicating that Cousins will serve as a mentor and bridge until Mendoza is ready to take over as the starting quarterback. New coach Klint Kubiak expressed a preference for not starting a rookie on Day 1, allowing Cousins to facilitate Mendoza's transition into the role by providing guidance and experience. Cousins, understanding the significance of this moment in his career, views it as a chance to leave a positive legacy with the Raiders. He recognizes that he has more football behind him than ahead of him and sees this opportunity as a chance to finish strong and positively influence the team's future. His role extends beyond being just a player on the field; he aims to set a standard in the locker room and be a valuable resource for young players looking to learn and grow in the league.

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