The Las Vegas Raiders signed Kirk Cousins on Thursday, hoping to serve as a bridge quarterback for Fernando Mendoza. The four-time Pro Bowler, who turns 38 in August, is coming off a disappointing past three seasons and has been inconsistent since tearing his Achilles in 2023 with the Minnesota Vikings. The Atlanta Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $160 million contract in the 2024 offseason, but the experiment didn’t pan out: he lost the starting job in 2024 and began 2025 as the backup before eventually regaining the job for the rest of the year. The Falcons released him in March, with his tenure ending after he threw for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, resulting in a 9-8 record.
Since Cousins has one of the top-tier agents, Mike McCartney, fans may be surprised by the contract terms.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ veteran QB’s contract details have been revealed
Kirk Cousins
Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kirk Cousins on the Ladies of Fox Sports Radio show set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, Tom Pelissero reported that Kirk Cousins will earn $20 million fully guaranteed in 2026, including the $8.7 million the Falcons owe, the $1.3 million league minimum the Raiders will pay, and the $10 million roster bonus due next March that is fully guaranteed at signing and not subject to offsets. Additionally, he has a two-year, $80 million team option for 2027 and 2028, along with two void years in 2029 and 2030.
On paper, Cousins’s contract is a three-year, $81.3 million deal and a five-year, $172 million deal if you factor in the void years. However, in reality, it’s a one-year, $20 million fully guaranteed contract, marking the 11th consecutive season he will play under a fully guaranteed salary.
Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders: 4x-Pro Bowler’s Contract Details Revealed
This recent contract has left many Raiders and NFL fans baffled. Spotracestimates that the four-time Pro Bowler has earned over $320 million dollars in the NFL, with that total set to exceed $340 million. This is a testament to how great an agent Mike McCartney is, and, as Andrew Brandt put it, Cousins should be in the Business Hall of Fame.
Raiders and NFL fans weigh in on the 4x-Pro Bowler’s contract terms
Las Vegas Raiders fans
Jan 5, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders fans (from left) Marilyn Acasio aka Jungle Jane, Maria Lopez, Geoff Skarr, Alyssa Skarr, Mark Acasio aka Gorilla Rilla, Amber Mielke and Monica Martinez pose during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
I believe @AndrewBrandt has him as a unanimous first ballot business hall of famer
— Eric Johnson (@EricJoh80003972) April 2, 2026
First ballot Business of Football Hall of Famer adding to his resume. https://t.co/83xtALdgll
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) April 2, 2026
@thencshow Kirk’s agent strikes again!!! 👏
— Matt (@Audley_77) April 2, 2026
Who is this mans agent?
— Godblessedchild 🇯🇲 (@JohnoyManUtd) April 2, 2026
He really does have the best Agent in Sports
— Dom (@DdogLukas) April 2, 2026
Hall of Fame merchant.
— Maurice Morth (@JungeMitDemBall) April 2, 2026
Who is his agent and how can I hire him?
— Rakka Suripa & Sukaruhakkā (@Siats4197Sime) April 2, 2026
They’re gonna make a heist movie franchise about this man someday
— UnkleBott (@UnkleBott) April 2, 2026
his agent needs a statue somewhere man
— sam (@fvckeIonmusk) April 2, 2026
The contract is diabolical wtf
— Fantasy God (@FantasyGod03) April 2, 2026
the greatest negotiator of all time, hands down
— Mitch (@mitchjk21) April 2, 2026
HOF vulture. pic.twitter.com/AAGvgAfkju
— 💙🤍❤️ @ 💜💛 (@GottfriedNFL) April 2, 2026
11 straight years and like $350m worth of guaranteed contracts for 1 playoff win. Threw 1 TD in overtime in that win. Before OT he had thrown for 178 yards. Has to be the single best agent negotiating in the history of football.
— BJIII (@golfislife58) April 2, 2026