The Las Vegas Raiders have reached an agreement with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, his agent confirmed Thursday morning. The move provides a steadying presence under center while the team prepares to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Cousins, 36, posted “The Autumn Wind…” on social media, referencing the Raiders’ iconic pregame theme made famous by NFL Films. The signing aligns with the philosophy outlined by Raiders coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek, who have stated they prefer not to thrust a rookie quarterback into the starting role immediately.

Kubiak and Cousins have prior connections: Kubiak served as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator when Cousins was with the Atlanta Falcons, and they were seen talking after a game in December 2025. Cousins also faced the Raiders twice in recent seasons—once as a Viking in the 2023 Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium and again in December 2024, when the Falcons beat the Raiders 15-9.

Cousins spent the 2024-25 season with Atlanta after signing a four-year, $180 million contract. He previously played for Washington (2012-2017) and Minnesota (2018-2023), compiling a 78-71-2 record as a starter with 44,275 passing yards and 297 touchdowns. His arrival gives the Raiders a proven bridge quarterback as they groom Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from Miami, for the future.