Updated March 18, 2026, 4:06 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons released veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins last week, and the 37-year-old has yet to find a new home in NFL free agency. Unfortunately for Cousins, there were a few other veteran signal-callers available, including former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray.
The Minnesota Vikings signed Murray for the veteran minimum, filling what was arguably the best fit for Cousins in 2026. The Falcons went in a different direction, signing former Pro Bowl Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. next season.
The Philadelphia Eagles traded for former Panthers backup Andy Dalton on Wednesday, which means Carolina could be in the market for a veteran backup. However, Cousins will likely be looking for a chance to start, and the Panthers have Bryce Young.
NFL.com broke down the “best team fits” for the top remaining NFL free agents, suggesting Cousins sign with the Las Vegas Raiders to serve as a bridge for projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza in 20216.
The Raiders have a need for a veteran quarterback after trading Geno Smith to the New York Jets at the start of NFL free agency, and Cousins would make sense as a replacement.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.NFL.com: Raiders are ‘best team fit’ for Kirk Cousins in 2026
“Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is expected to head to Las Vegas with the No. 1 overall pick in April,” wrote NFL.com’s Nick Shook. “Of all currently active NFL quarterbacks, I can’t possibly think of a better comparison for Mendoza than Cousins, who happens to be available for hire. In 2025, Cousins proved he can handle the veteran backup role and perform well. He’d supply Mendoza with a wise teammate and proper mentor who can help him navigate the rigors of the NFL, and if Mendoza isn’t ready to start right away, Cousins can fill that job for the time being, too. It makes too much sense to not happen.”
Cousins faced his share of ups and downs over his two seasons in Atlanta. While we occasionally saw flashes of his former self, he lacked his trademark consistency from week to week. Cousins passed for 5,229 yards, 29 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in 24 games with the Falcons.
There aren’t a bunch of teams looking for a starter at the moment, but that can and likely will change after the draft. Assuming he’s healthy, the four-time Pro Bowl QB should eventually land somewhere before training camp begins. Some of this could depend on whether or not Cousins is willing to accept a backup role in 2026.
For now, the veteran QB can afford to take his time and see where the chips fall. Over 14 NFL seasons, Cousins has passed for 44,700 yards, 298 touchdowns, 131 interceptions and a passer rating of 98.6.
