Kirk Cousins
Quarterback #18
Kirk Cousins News
Raiders Set to Name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 Starter
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to name veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins their Week 1 starter. Even though Cousins was slated to take the starting job back at the beginning of training camp, newly appointed head coach Klint Kubiak has kept the door open for a competition. However, the veteran earned the starting gig over first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell. Cousins has been sharp in the preseason, going 5-for-6 in the opener and 8-for-11 in their preseason finale this past Thursday evening. Last season, Cousins appeared in 10 games for the Falcons and averaged 205.5 passing yards per game with a 10:5 TD:INT in the eight games in which he logged more than 50 offensive snaps. Given that the Raiders lack many proven options in the passing game outside of star tight end Brock Bowers, the 38-year-old carries low-end QB3 appeal in their Week 1 opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Aug 29, 2026 1:22 PM EST
Kirk Cousins Expected to "Eventually" be Named the Starting QB
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Las Vegas Raiders veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected "to be named the starter eventually," according to people inside the Raiders' building and league-wide with other teams. Head coach Klint Kubiak was non-committal on naming a starter for Week 1 of the regular season against the Miami Dolphins after the team's preseason finale on Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers, in which both Cousins and rookie first overall pick Fernando Mendoza played. Cousins went 8-for-11 for 51 yards, while Mendoza went 7-for-14 for 57 yards with an interception. Although Mendoza saw some first-team reps in training camp practices, Cousins has been treated like the starter since the spring, according to Fowler. At best, the 14-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowler is a low-end, short-term option in superflex leagues in 2026, but the overwhelming consensus is that Mendoza will be making starts under center this year for the Raiders sooner rather than later. Cousins only played in 10 games (eight starts) for the Atlanta Falcons last year after Michael Penix Jr.'s (knee) season-ending ACL tear, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Aug 28, 2026 2:22 PM EST
Kirk Cousins Listed as Starter on Raiders' Unofficial Depth Chart
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins was listed as the starter on the team's unofficial depth chart ahead of their preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers. According to head coach Klint Kubiak, Cousins has taken most of the first-team reps in practice and that it is "his job to lose." The veteran quarterback signed a two-year, $12.6 million deal with the Raiders this offseason and was set to compete with first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza for the starting job. With Cousins and most of the starting offense not playing in the team's second preseason game against the Houston Texans, it points to the 15th-year quarterback starting in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. Even if Cousins is named the starting quarterback this season, his lack of weapons and rushing ability leaves him as an irrelevant piece in fantasy this season.
Aug 24, 2026 5:53 PM EST
Klint Kubiak Says Raiders' Starting QB Job is Kirk Cousins' to Lose
When asked about the team's quarterback battle, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said it is Kirk Cousins' job to lose. Following their 27-14 preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Kubiak said, "Kirk's been getting the reps with the 1s, and it's his job to lose." Cousins had a strong first drive in Thursday night's game, completing five of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown to tight end Michael Mayer. While rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza had a solid night as well, Kubiak's commitment to Cousins has dropped Mendoza on fantasy draft boards this season. If Cousins starts in Week 1, he will likely be a non-factor in fantasy leagues this season, while Mendoza's stock will fall in Superflex leagues.
Aug 13, 2026 7:26 PM EST
Kirk Cousins, Maxx Crosby Held Out After Friday Altercation
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby will both be held out of Saturday's practice after violating team rules during Friday's altercation, according to Adam Schefter. Head coach Klint Kubiak made the decision after the two got into it during team drills. Crosby made contact with Cousins on multiple plays before the veteran quarterback shoved him and grabbed his jersey, prompting teammates to step in and separate them. No punches were reported. Cousins enters the preseason as Las Vegas' starting quarterback after throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 10 games with Atlanta last season. Kubiak has already identified Cousins as the starter, with first overall pick Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell working behind him. Saturday's absence gives both younger quarterbacks some additional reps while Cousins serves the one-practice discipline alongside Crosby.
Aug 8, 2026 9:30 AM EST
Kirk Cousins Opens Raiders Camp as Starting Quarterback
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said Kirk Cousins will take the field as the starting quarterback when the team opens practice Wednesday, according to Ryan McFadden. Kubiak said Cousins deserves the first opportunity because he has played "really good football," while adding that he wants No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell to push him. Cousins joined Las Vegas after completing 166 of 269 passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 10 games with Atlanta in 2025. The 37-year-old also has familiarity with Kubiak's system after the two worked together for three seasons in Minnesota. Mendoza remains the Raiders' long-term investment after being selected first overall in April, and Kubiak previously said Cousins, Mendoza, and O'Connell would all receive first-team opportunities during camp. Cousins enters the competition atop the depth chart and has the clearest immediate path to the Week 1 job, though Mendoza's presence limits his long-term security.
Jul 28, 2026 12:14 PM EST
Fantasy Expectations Low for Kirk Cousins in a Bridge Role
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is no stranger to competing with a first-round pick in his first season with a new team, though the comparisons to his 2024 campaign with the Falcons end just below surface level. The Falcons shocked the football world by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft weeks after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal. In contrast, Fernando Mendoza was always going to wind up with the Raiders, even if his selection with the first overall pick was not made official until after Cousins had signed his two-year, $12.6 million bridge quarterback contract. With new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak preaching patience for Mendoza, Cousins is expected to start the season with the starting job and could be given plenty of leash in an offense that should show signs of improvement from a year ago. That said, the soon-to-be-38-year-old's per-game fantasy production has been on the decline for years, and little is expected of RotoBaller's QB33 in 2026.
Jul 22, 2026 6:59 AM EST
Kirk Cousins Unlikely to Factor into the Majority of 2026 Drafts
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins has made a 15-year career out of rising to the situation around him. Rarely has he shown an ability to truly elevate an offense, but with the right pieces around him, he's fully capable of managing the game and providing steady production that has frequently translated to fantasy success. With a deep group of pass-catchers in Washington's pass-heavy offense, he was able to turn in multiple top-six fantasy seasons, and while throwing to Justin Jefferson in Minnesota, he rarely fell outside the QB1 range. With the Achilles injury he suffered in 2023 further limiting what was never the most dynamic physical skill set, Cousins' reliance on a clean pocket and early separation from his receivers has only grown more apparent in recent years. Unfortunately, as he attempts to hold off first overall pick Fernando Mendoza for as long as possible in what could be his final starting job with the Raiders, the offense in Vegas features few pieces to get excited about outside of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and 2025 first-round pick Ashton Jeanty. Cousins is well-positioned in a Klint Kubiak offense that just saw journeyman Sam Darnold finish as the QB13 a season ago, but without a weapon like Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the outside, and with the new face of the franchise already breathing down his neck, the soon-to-be 38-year-old does not project as a major fantasy contributor in 2026 and is RotoBaller's QB33.
Jul 5, 2026 5:25 AM EST
Is Kirk Cousins Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot Entering 2026?
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is entering his first season with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026. Cousins' production has fallen off considerably in recent years, and he finished 2025 with 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 10 games (eight starts) for the Atlanta Falcons. The 37-year-old appears set to enter training camp as the nominal QB1 in Las Vegas. However, Cousins is highly unlikely to hold the starting job for the Raiders all season long after the team's selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even if Cousins opens 2026 under center for Las Vegas, he may struggle to put up fantasy-relevant production in an offense that is light on pass-catching talent outside of star tight end Brock Bowers. Cousins also averaged just 6.4 yards per pass attempt with the Falcons in 2025, his first season under seven yards per attempt since 2013. Dynasty managers should feel comfortable moving on from Cousins ahead of 2026.
Jun 11, 2026 8:30 AM EST
Kirk Cousins a Low-Cost Dynasty Add That Could Pay Dividends
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a two-year deal to serve as a bridge quarterback until first overall pick Fernando Mendoza is ready to take over. At the NFL's Annual League Meeting, new head coach Klint Kubiak shared his belief that a rookie quarterback should learn behind the scenes for as long as possible, and shortly thereafter, Cousins was brought in on a team-friendly contract. Kubiak also expressed a desire to split backfield carries before adding Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, so he appears to have a clear plan in his first year at the helm. The Raiders have made notable improvements to the offensive line and defense a year after earning the first overall pick by going 3-14, so Cousins could be provided ample leash to allow Mendoza to develop into an NFL professional. As a quarterback expected to start more than a handful of games in 2026, he could be drastically underpriced as RotoBaller's dynasty QB47, and how he looks to open the season could determine his future value should the Raiders allow him to hit free agency again in 2027 at the age of 38.
Apr 28, 2026 5:36 AM EST
Kirk Cousins Could Make Starts for Raiders in 2026
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that the money that the Las Vegas Raiders gave veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins indicates that he "could or maybe should end up being the starting QB" to begin the 2026 regular season. Somehow, Cousins will be guaranteed $20 million in 2026, with almost half of the money being paid by the Atlanta Falcons, who released the 37-year-old at the start of the new league year. Even though the Raiders are expected to take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick at the end of April, Cousins is expected to be the team's Week 1 starter as they let Mendoza sit and learn early on in his first year in the NFL. The four-time Pro Bowler played in 24 games (22 starts) in his two years in Atlanta and completed 65% of his passes for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. At best, he'll be a low-end QB2 option for those in superflex fantasy leagues in 2026, and his run as Vegas' starter could be short-lived, depending on his performance and Mendoza's development.
Apr 4, 2026 2:10 PM EST
Raiders Sign Kirk Cousins
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a contract that is essentially a one-year deal with $20 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The contract is technically for five years and $172 million, but the latter four years will be voided, such that Cousins gets $8.7 million from the Falcons this year, $1.3 million from the Raiders this year, and a $10 million roster bonus from the Raiders on the third day of the 2027 league year. The move is certainly an interesting one for the Raiders, who have the No. 1 pick and are projected to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Head coach Klint Kubiak recently said that in an ideal world, every rookie quarterback would sit on the bench for a few weeks, learning from a veteran. The signing of Cousins indicates that perhaps the Raiders will let Cousins start Week 1 while mentoring Mendoza, before the rookie eventually takes over as the starter midseason. That makes both quarterbacks difficult to trust in redraft leagues. The good news is that both Cousins and Mendoza should be able to support strong fantasy campaigns from Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers.
Apr 2, 2026 7:43 AM EST
Kirk Cousins an Option for Rams as Backup Quarterback?
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that the team is "hopeful for a reunion" with veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, but he also said that they have talked with free-agent QB Kirk Cousins and his agent as another possibility for the backup role in 2026, per Rams beat writer Stu Jackson. The 37-year-old Cousins is on the open market after the Atlanta Falcons officially released him at the start of the new league year earlier this month. He's biding his time for the right situation, which could come in Los Angeles if Jimmy G departs. As Cousins nears the end of his career, he won't have any fantasy football appeal unless an injury to a starter forces him into action again. If he were to sign with the Rams, he'd be sitting behind reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford. The four-time Pro Bowler was benched in favor of Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 and then appeared in 10 games (eight starts) in 2025, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions while going 5-3 as a starter down the stretch.
Mar 30, 2026 9:50 AM EST
Kirk Cousins an Option as Backup Quarterback in Green Bay?
Free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins could be an option for the Green Bay Packers, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Cousins was released by the Falcons this offseason, and it seems unlikely that he'll get a guaranteed starting job anywhere. While he'll presumably try to sign somewhere with an open quarterback competition, Schneidman notes that the Packers could still be an intriguing landing spot given how much they value the quarterback position. They spent a first-round pick on Jordan Love when Aaron Rodgers was still in town, they actively went out and traded for Malik Willis to back up Love last year, and now, they could bring in a proven veteran like Cousins to fill the No. 2 role. He also has a connection to head coach Matt Lafleur, who was his position coach in Washington for the first two years of his NFL career. Cousins went 5-3 with 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight starts (10 games) last year, so we know he's still capable of producing at a decent level. Now, we'll just have to wait and see where he takes his talents. Depending on the landing spot, he could end up having significant mid-season appeal as a fantasy streamer if the team's starter gets injured.
Mar 24, 2026 8:27 PM EST
Falcons Officially Release Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons officially released veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The 37-year-old four-time Pro Bowler spent the last two seasons in Atlanta, where he threw for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions in 24 games (22 starts). He was benched late in the 2024 campaign in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. and entered last season as the clear backup. Cousins ended up starting eight games for the Falcons in 2025 due to Penix's season-ending knee injury. He had a few notable performances, but overall, he looked more like a QB nearing the end of his career. Cousins had 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five picks for the Falcons last year. He'll be an option to reunite with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, but a starting job isn't going to be guaranteed, no matter where Cousins resurfaces for the 2026 campaign.
Mar 11, 2026 12:15 PM EST
Falcons Plan to Release Kirk Cousins
Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said that the team plans to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year on March 11. If Cousins were on the roster for the start of the new league year, the Falcons would owe him $67.9 million guaranteed. It's highly unlikely that the Falcons will find a trade partner for Cousins before the start of the new league year. The 37-year-old veteran lost his starting job to Michael Penix Jr. (knee) late in the 2024 season and was the backup last year until Penix suffered a season-ending knee injury. In 10 games (eight starts) in 2025, Cousins completed a career-low 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions for Atlanta. The four-time Pro Bowler is nearing the twilight of his career, although he could have a chance to compete for a starting job in 2026, depending on where he lands in free agency.
Feb 24, 2026 5:56 AM EST
Kirk Cousins Expected to Be Released Before New League Year
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be released before the start of the new league year in March. Coming off a torn Achilles tendon that ended his six-year tenure in Minnesota, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta before the 2024 season, only to see the team select Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in that year's draft. Across his 22 starts with the Falcons, Cousins has thrown 28 touchdowns to 21 interceptions, while going 12-10. By releasing him before the new league year, he will have the opportunity to sign with any team of his choosing in 2026, with some speculating that a reunion with the Vikings could be in the cards.
Feb 7, 2026 11:51 AM EST
Falcons Expected to Release Kirk Cousins
Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has two years left on his deal, but he's expected to be released in early March after the Falcons restructured his contract so that he'll be owed $68 million if he's on the roster on March 13, according to The Athletic's Josh Kendall. Cousins could be released and re-signed on a less-expensive contract as the Falcons look for insurance at the position behind Michael Penix Jr. (knee). The 37-year-old QB started the final seven games in 2025 after Penix tore his ACL in Week 11. Cousins ranked 37th in the NFL in EPA per dropback and threw for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in his 10 games (eight starts). Even though new head coach Kevin Stefanski has a previous working relationship with Cousins from their time together with the Vikings in 2019, the feeling is that Atlanta is ready to move on from him this offseason. Penix's recovery this offseason could be the determining factor in whether Atlanta brings Cousins back in 2026.
Jan 29, 2026 3:55 PM EST
Falcons Restructure Kirk Cousins' Deal
The Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins agreed to tweak the final two years of the QB's contract on Tuesday, setting the stage for a decision on his future to be made by the third day of the new league year on March 13, a source told ESPN's Field Yates. Cousins now has a guarantee for $67.9 million for the 2027 season that will vest on March 13. The restructure also includes reducing Cousins' 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to just $2.1 million. Atlanta's front office is in flux following the firing of general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday, but the Falcons could still move on from Cousins before March 13 as a post-June 1 release. A release of that kind would split the dead money on Cousins' contract over 2026 and 2027, as opposed to the team taking on the full amount in 2026. The 37-year-old played in 10 games this season, including starting the final seven following Michael Penix Jr.'s season-ending knee injury. Cousins was serviceable, throwing 10 TDs and five interceptions, but he probably isn't in the team's long-term plans at the position.
Jan 6, 2026 12:56 PM EST
Kirk Cousins in the Streaming Conversation for Season Finale?
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins led the team to another upset victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football to close out Week 17 action. Most of the heavy lifting was done by star running back Bijan Robinson, though, who finished just shy of 200 rushing yards with a touchdown on 22 carries. Robinson also caught five passes for 34 yards and a second touchdown. Cousins, meanwhile, continued to play a game-manager role at QB, going 13-for-20 passing for 126 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. The 37-year-old veteran signal-caller shouldn't attract a ton of fantasy interest as a streamer going into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Cousins has gone over 200 passing yards just twice in the last five games. In the first game against the Saints, he threw for 199 yards, two TDs, and a pick on Nov. 23.
Dec 30, 2025 6:28 PM EST
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