Kirk Cousins contract: Raiders reportedly sign veteran QB to $172 million deal, details explained

The contract details for Kirk Cousins‘ contract with the Las Vegas Raiders have finally been revealed. At first glance, the numbers are eye-popping.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that the four-time Pro Bowler will sign a five-year, $172 million deal with the Raiders. However, this is really a one-year, $20 million deal that contains a club option for two years at $80 million.

Cousins’ former organization, the Atlanta Falcons, will pay the quarterback $8.7 million this season. He also received $1.3 million more from Las Vegas, along with receiving a $10 million roster bonus on the third day of the 2027 NFL league year.

The contract ensures that Cousins will be making guaranteed money for the 11th consecutive season. The $20 million he receives from Las Vegas this season will make him the second-highest paid player in NFL history, surpassing seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady.

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 will likely serve as Las Vegas’ bridge quarterback, following their selection of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the looming NFL Draft. The 14-year NFL veteran joins his fourth different organization. He has previously spent time with the Washington Redskins (2012-2017), Minnesota Vikings (2018-2023), and Atlanta Falcons (2024-2025).

The Michigan State alum passed for 1,721 yards and 10 touchdowns with just five interceptions last season, as he juggled playing time with Michael Penix Jr. It now looks as if Las Vegas has a steady plan in place for Cousins to open the season as the starter, while slowly easing Mendoza into the Raiders’ offense.

In a day and age where quarterbacks who have been thrust into early starting roles have struggled mightily (J.J. McCarthy, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis, to name a few), this is a decision that could work out in a big way down the road for the organization. The Raiders have made the postseason just twice in the past 23 years, and are coming off one of the worst seasons in team history.

Across his 14-year NFL career, Cousins boasts 44,700 passing yards (19th most in NFL history) with 298 passing touchdowns and 131 interceptions. As his career winds down, the Barrington, IL native keeps on cashing checks as he transitions fully into a mentorship role.

Whenever he takes his first snap with the Las Vegas Raiders, it will mark his first ever as a member of an AFC team.