The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza the top pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean the franchise doesn’t need a veteran on the roster to help his transition to the NFL.
The Raiders have found that, agreeing to a contract with veteran Kirk Cousins that basically amounts to a one-year, $20 million deal that could be worth more if the Raiders wish to keep him around, via Adam Schefter of ESPN:
Comp update: Kirk Cousins will sign a five-year, $172 million deal with the Raiders that in reality is a one-year, fully-guaranteed $20 million deal that also contains a club option for two years at $80M.
The Falcons will pay Cousins $8.7 million this season, the Raiders another… pic.twitter.com/MHYqOOfBs7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2026
Cousins also took to social media to confirm that he will be joining the Raiders this season:
The Autumn Wind…
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) April 2, 2026
For those who may be unaware, The Autumn Wind is a reference to a poem that was adapted for the Raiders coverage during the 1974 season. The full first line from the poem is “The autumn wind is a pirate, blustering in from sea.”
The addition of Cousins makes sense for the Raiders as having a veteran to help mentor Mendoza, and also being a capable player, should he need to step in for whatever reason is important. As Schefter noted, despite it technically being a five-year deal, in actuality it is a one-year contract for Cousins and it will not be close to the $172 million unless the Raiders want it to.
Cousins has spent the last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons where he garnered a 12-10 record in 22 starts, completing 65% of his passes for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
With Aidan O’Connell as the only other quarterback on the roster, the Raiders knew they needed to bring in a veteran and Cousins fits that bill. He could even start to begin the season, but his most important role on this team will be as a mentor and guide for Mendoza and helping him to reach his potential as the franchise quarterback.
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