The NFL may be headed toward the 2026 NFL Draft, but teams are still finalizing deals from free agency. Several teams made big splashes with their cap space this offseason.
Among them, the Las Vegas Raiders stayed especially busy. After significant speculation, they reunited quarterback Kirk Cousins with Klint Kubiak — his former offensive coordinator.
Advertisement
However, the biggest story may be the contract itself. At first glance, Cousins appears to have secured another major payday.
MORE: Who has the most cap space ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Reports, however, indicate the deal is essentially a one-year contract with a club option. The Raiders also used a little-known loophole to load Cousins up with more money, even if he stays for just one season.
Advertisement
Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kirk Cousins on the Opening Drive show at the SiriusXM NFL radio set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to reports, the loophole allows the Raiders to pay Cousins $20 million. However, they only need to pay $11.3 million this season, while the Atlanta Falcons remain responsible for the difference.
The loophole has already drawn criticism, with multiple reporters indicating the NFL may move to close it. Albert Breer has voiced that the league is expected to take a deeper look.
Advertisement
One reporter who has been particularly critical of the cap maneuvering is ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio. He had plenty to say about the move.
MORE: NFL analyst has 3 ‘can’t miss’ 2026 NFL Draft prospects
“It seems too easy. Too convenient. Too obvious that the Raiders came up with a way to get Cousins to $20 million while paying only $11.3 million of it,” Florio wrote.
Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek
Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“It’s amazing the loophole even exists. It’s something other teams could have been doing, whenever a player has guaranteed money from another team,” Florio continued.
He then explains why the league will likely try to close the loophole.
MORE: 2026 NFL season streaming costs, subscriptions revealed
“Pay him the minimum now, and promise more later. Legitimate or not under current rules, it seems as if the Raiders have pulled a fast one.” Florio said.
Top 10 potential salary cap cuts this offseason
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) celebrates after a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Cousins is no stranger to contract negotiations. He and his agent have helped him earn over $300 million throughout his career.
Was this an unethical way for the Raiders to get the Falcons to pay Cousins more than expected? Or did the Raiders and Cousins simply use the cap rules to their advantage?