Tom Brady is playing a central role at the Las Vegas Raiders, and convinced Kirk Cousins to sign with the organization despite preparing to select a quarterback in the NFL Draft
12:58 ET, 08 Apr 2026Updated 12:59 ET, 08 Apr 2026
Kirk Cousins revealed that Tom Brady nudged him to sign for the Las Vegas Raiders
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Kirk Cousins revealed that Tom Brady nudged him to sign for the Las Vegas Raiders(Image: 2025 Todd Kirkland)
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins enjoyed a "life-giving" call with Tom Brady during the NFL offseason, which led to his decision to sign with the organization.
The Raiders signed Cousins to a five-year, $172 million contract in April, though it is primarily a one-year, $20 million deal with extension options. Cousins played for the Atlanta Falcons last season, but will be a useful mentor for Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be selected first overall by Las Vegas.
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Mendoza won't be attending the 2026 NFL Draft and instead plans to be with his family during the ceremony. Should he be selected, he will compete with Cousins for the starting quarterback role, and the veteran believes that the best player should be out on the field.
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Cousins, 37, previously played for the Washington Redskins, the Minnesota Vikings and the Falcons before joining the Raiders. The veteran quarterback was linked with several franchises during the offseason, including a return to Minnesota.
However, in an interview with NFL Network, Cousins revealed that Brady was instrumental in his decision. Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders, called Cousins to share his vision for the organization.
"You know me, I'm going to do my homework before I move my family and sign somewhere," Cousins said. "Conversations here with the people in the Raiders organization, and one of those conversations was with Tom.
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"I texted him and asked him to call me when he could. He actually FaceTimed me. I was at youth baseball practice. So I stepped away and just FaceTimed with Tom for a minute to get on the same page and understand his vision for the organization, what he saw ahead, and whether I would be a good fit.
"I got off the call, and I called my wife, and I said, 'That was a really life-giving call with Tom. He really gets it, he's been where I've been, and then some.'
"I think he understands what it needs to look like, what it will look like. I felt a real shot in the arm after talking to him. I feel like that was a big nudge for me to come to Vegas.
Brady is a minority shareholder of the Raiders
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Brady is a minority shareholder of the Raiders(Image: Getty Images)
"He was in the building for our first OTA day, didn't expect that, but he stopped by the quarterback room and was able to catch up with him in the cafeteria. He just wants to be a resource.
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"I don't know that he will be around all the time, but he's only a phone call or a text away. To have a guy who's won seven Super Bowls just a phone call or text away that's embedded in your organization, that's got to be a positive."
Cousins then discussed Mendoza and revealed that he met with the projected No. 1 pick and is ready to support head coach Klint Kubiak. "Honestly, I don't want to start unless I'm the best option," Cousins added.
"Best players should play. As long as that's the case, I have no qualms with however it plays out. I do think Fernando is going to be a great addition to our team. I think he's going to have a great future in the league. I have no problem being a voice in a room to help him to the degree that I can."