It’s now confirmed that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The move was finalized on Thursday, April 2, adding more than a decade of professional experience to the Silver and Black roster.
The announcement came early Thursday morning through a social media post from Cousins’ longtime agent, Mike McCartney. In the message, McCartney extended his congratulations to the quarterback on joining the new franchise.
Cousins’ most recent contract, signed in 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons, was a four-year, $180 million pact that included $100 million guaranteed and carried an average annual value of $45 million, according to Spotrac data.
“Cousins, 37, will join a Raiders team that is widely expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft later this month,” ESPN’s report stated.
“The four-time Pro Bowler also will reunite with first-year Raiders coach Klint Kubiak, who worked with Cousins for three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.”
During the 2025-26 season, Cousins delivered a completion rate of 61.7 percent while accumulating 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions, per NFL research.
Cousins himself broke the news on X with a striking three-word message that quickly captured attention from Raiders supporters. The post, which has already surpassed half a million views, simply read: “The Autumn Wind….”
This subtle reference immediately resonated with the fan base, invoking one of the most iconic elements associated with the franchise.
That short phrase draws directly from the legendary poem and musical anthem known as “The Autumn Wind,” a beloved symbol of Raiders lore. The piece portrays the team with an aura of strength, intensity, and intimidation, perfectly capturing the fierce “silver and black” identity that defines the organization.
The connection between Cousins and the Raiders’ new head coach adds another compelling layer to the signing. The two previously collaborated during the 2019 through 2021 campaigns while with the Minnesota Vikings, where Cousins served as the primary starting quarterback and Kubiak held roles as both quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.
Their shared history from those three seasons creates an immediate foundation of familiarity and trust. Kubiak’s promotion to head coach in Las Vegas now gives Cousins the chance to work under a familiar offensive mind once again.
With the NFL draft approaching, the Raiders are projected to bolster their quarterback room by selecting highly touted prospect Fernando Mendoza with the top overall choice. Cousins’ arrival positions him as an experienced mentor and bridge for the young signal-caller while injecting proven leadership into the locker room.
Overall, this move marks a fresh chapter for the 37-year-old veteran. After time spent with the Vikings and Falcons, Cousins brings stability, knowledge, and a renewed sense of excitement to a Raiders squad aiming to build momentum under new leadership. Fans are already embracing the poetic flair of his announcement, seeing it as a fitting start to what could become a memorable partnership in Las Vegas.
