The NFL may be shifting its focus to the NFL Draft, but teams remain active in free agency as they work to solidify their rosters and maintain flexibility.
Although the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, they have continued to explore the free-agent market—particularly at quarterback.
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After showing interest in a veteran signal-caller, the Raiders have now made their move. Reports indicate that Kirk Cousins has chosen Las Vegas as his team for the 2026 season.
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Cousins also took to X to share a message with Raiders fans.
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The Atlanta Falcons released Cousins early in the 2026 league year, just two years after signing him to a massive contract during the 2024 free agency period.
The situation took an awkward turn when Atlanta selected Michael Penix Jr. in the first round the following month. Cousins mentored Penix before eventually losing his starting role to him.
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Now in Las Vegas, Cousins will have the opportunity not only to mentor Mendoza but also to revive his own career—this time alongside a familiar face.
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Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak previously served as Cousins’ quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2021. During their time together with the Minnesota Vikings, the duo found significant success.
Under Kubiak, Cousins earned two Pro Bowl selections, and the pair built a dynamic offensive unit. Kubiak departed only after the team fired head coach Mike Zimmer.
Kubiak has also developed a reputation for helping quarterbacks reach their peak performance. With the Seattle Seahawks, he engineered a high-powered offense led by free-agent acquisition Sam Darnold.
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Once viewed as a castoff, Darnold spent a year with Kubiak in San Francisco as a backup before earning a starting opportunity in Minnesota. He later reunited with Kubiak in Seattle.
Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Together, they won the Super Bowl last season, which helped propel Kubiak to his current role with the Raiders. Now, he reunites with another former quarterback.
The question remains: Can Kubiak restore Cousins to Pro Bowl form while also developing the franchise’s quarterback of the future?
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