Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Veteran QB Kirk Cousins embraces a new challenge with the Raiders, aiming to lead the team to success through his experience and leadership.Las Vegas Today
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins expressed excitement about joining the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and embracing the organization’s storied tradition as he enters his 15th NFL season. Cousins, 37, said he feels at home with the Raiders and is motivated to finish his career strong after overcoming a torn Achilles tendon in 2023.
Why it matters
Cousins’ arrival in Las Vegas signals a new chapter for the Raiders as they look to build on their recent success and compete for a championship. The veteran QB’s experience and leadership could be crucial in developing the team’s younger players and elevating the offense to new heights.
The details
Cousins met with reporters for his first press conference as a Raider, calling it ‘a bit of a whirlwind’ as he learns his way around the building and the city. He cited the opportunity to work again with Kubiak, whom he previously collaborated with in Minnesota, as a major factor in his decision to sign with Las Vegas. Cousins said Kubiak’s offense has evolved significantly since their last stint together, requiring him to learn new terminology and concepts. The 37-year-old QB said he feels good physically after recovering from the Achilles injury and praised the Raiders’ performance staff for helping him manage his workload.
Cousins met with reporters on Tuesday for his first press conference as a Raider.Cousins tore his Achilles tendon in October 2023 while playing for the Atlanta Falcons.
The players
Kirk Cousins
A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who is entering his 15th NFL season and has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Klint Kubiak
The offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously worked with Cousins in Minnesota in 2021.
Aidan O’Connell
A quarterback on the Raiders’ roster who Cousins said he looks forward to working with.
Fernando Mendoza
A rookie quarterback who the Raiders may draft and Cousins said he would work with.
Al Davis
The former owner of the Raiders, whose quotes Cousins said he has been impressed by seeing around the team’s facility.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“It’s been a great couple of days. Excited to be with the coaching staff and be with this group of guys. Just feel really good about this group and about the chance to play here and be a part of the silver and black.”
— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
“It’s a real privilege to work with Klint again. I think highly of him as a person. I think highly of his system, his staff.”
— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
“My football journey has been a journey of faith. We prayed a lot about coming here and just felt in our gut we had a peace about it.”
— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
“The best player needs to play. If that’s not me, I don’t want to be out there. I don’t think that’s the best thing for the team.”
— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
“I love seeing the quotes from Al Davis all over the building. I think my favorite is that the greatness of the Raiders lies in its future. The best is yet to come.”
— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
What’s next
Cousins will continue to learn the Raiders’ new offensive system and build chemistry with his new teammates during the team’s offseason program. The Raiders will also monitor Cousins’ recovery from the Achilles injury and manage his workload as a veteran quarterback.
The takeaway
Cousins’ arrival in Las Vegas represents a fresh start for the veteran QB as he looks to prove he still has elite-level play left in the tank. His reunion with Kubiak and the Raiders’ storied franchise could provide the perfect environment for Cousins to finish his career on a high note and lead the team to a championship.