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Kirk Cousins
QB · LV

Kirk Cousins

Position QB
Team LV
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Kirk Cousins

NFL quarterback. Position: QB. Team: LV (Las Vegas Raiders).

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: LV (Las Vegas Raiders)
  • Role: Starting QB (2026 season bridge), mentor to Fernando Mendoza

2026 Outlook

Kirk Cousins signed a flexible 1-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders to serve as the starting QB in 2026 while rookie sensation Fernando Mendoza (No. 1 overall, 2026 draft) develops as the franchise's long-term option. Cousins continues recovery from an Achilles tear suffered with the Atlanta Falcons in 2025. As of early June, Cousins is ahead of schedule in recovery and performing well during offseason workouts. Head coach Klint Kubiak stated that Cousins "has played really good football for us this time of year," noting his improved health one year removed from the Achilles injury. Cousins' last four games in Atlanta in 2025 showed strong form: 62.6% completion, 876 yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs, and 1 rushing TD. The Raiders are taking a patient developmental approach with Mendoza, expecting Cousins to be a solid placeholder QB while the rookie absorbs the Shanahan-system offense under Kubiak's tutelage (per Klint Kubiak: Kirk Cousins has played really good football for us this time of year).

Expert consensus on Week 1 (June 7): ESPN's Aaron Schatz projects Cousins as the clear favorite for Week 1 start, with the Raiders viewing their roster as "not yet ready to support a rookie QB." Schatz's broader assessment of the 2026 season is cautious: the Raiders turnaround is a "maybe but probably not" scenario, emphasizing that even No. 1 overall picks struggle early. Cousins' role expands beyond QB2 to reliable veteran mentor (per Raiders' Fernando Mendoza gets reality check amid Kirk Cousins competition).

Cousins praised Kubiak's leadership following OTAs in late June, calling it "probably the most urgent and most productive OTAs I've ever been a part of" in his 15-year NFL career. He highlighted Kubiak's intensity, conviction, and ability to create clarity about expectations despite being a quieter coach. This positive assessment of the offseason program suggests the Raiders' offensive foundation is solid heading into camp. Cousins cited the 10-week foundation they laid during OTAs and expects training camp to "pick it up and continue to get ready." He has prior experience with Kubiak (two years as QB coach, one year as offensive coordinator), giving him familiarity with the Shanahan-system offense (per Kirk Cousins Gives True Thoughts on Raiders QB Competition).

Mentorship role confirmed (July 20): Albert Breer reports Cousins' extensive background in the Kubiak/Janocko scheme (from his Minnesota years) makes him invaluable not just as the Week 1 starter but as an on-field tutor who accelerates rookie Fernando Mendoza's development. Cousins and Mendoza already have a strong relationship, which the organization is banking on to keep the rookie from frustration if he begins the season as QB3 behind both Cousins and Aidan O'Connell. This arrangement allows the Raiders to give Mendoza first-team reps throughout summer without overloading Cousins. (per Insider shares bad news for Fernando Mendoza about Kirk Cousins competition)

CBS Sports QB impact ranking (July 27): CBS Sports ranked the Cousins/Mendoza Raiders QB situation as #2 most impactful QB changes in 2026. Cousins is positioned as the safe, veteran placeholder while No. 1 overall pick Mendoza develops. Analysts note Cousins' task is straightforward: be competitive and keep games close while the rookie learns the Shanahan-system offense under HC Klint Kubiak. He only needs to avoid being a disaster (not the bar for a 38-year-old bridge QB). Fantasy projections: 674 passing yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs (limited role expected with likely transition to Mendoza mid-season). (per Ranking QB changes by expected impact: Can Kyler Murray get Vikings back to the playoffs?)

Week 1 favorite (June 23): Multiple reports confirm Cousins is the clear frontrunner to start Week 1 against Miami. Head coach Klint Kubiak is explicit about the team's patient approach with Mendoza—"all signs point to" Cousins being the starter, with the organization viewing the 2026 roster as not yet ready to support a rookie QB. Tom Brady's ownership stake reinforces the "bring him along slowly" philosophy, with minority owner Brady noting that forcing young QBs to play early is "a tragedy." Cousins' role shifts from bridge starter to veteran mentor and safety net if injuries occur. (per Raiders could make stunning Fernando Mendoza Week 1 move)

August 8 training camp altercation: Cousins got into a heated altercation with defensive end Maxx Crosby during Friday practice when Crosby hit his arm twice during team period. Cousins grabbed Crosby's jersey and got in his face before it was broken up. HC Klint Kubiak benched both players Saturday for disciplinary reasons, holding them out of 11-on-11 drills while they remained for individual work. Kubiak said he has "clear expectations on how we want to practice" and both players violated those standards. The incident highlights training camp tensions but also underscores Kubiak's commitment to enforcing accountability. Cousins is expected back to full participation Monday (per Raiders hold Cousins, Crosby from practice day after scuffle - ESPN]).

Preseason spotlight and Kubiak's "his job to lose" message (Aug 14): Cousins played one drive and went 5-of-6 for 50 yards with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer—nothing forced, clean execution that kept the job. HC Klint Kubiak immediately sent a pointed message, saying "It's his job to lose"—signaling that while Cousins remains the clear Week 1 starter, his position is no longer guaranteed if Mendoza continues to impress. Meanwhile, rookie Fernando Mendoza followed: 10-of-16 for 97 yards with 1 TD (including a TD to tight end Jack Bech and 19-yard completion to Malik Benson), showing composure and accuracy in his first NFL action but also absorbing some hard hits from veteran pass rushers. Kubiak's public endorsement of Cousins after his clean, mistake-free drive—paired with Mendoza's strong but imperfect showing—reaffirms Cousins as the Week 1 starter, at least for now, while making it clear the rookie has narrowed the gap. (per Kirk Cousins vs Fernando Mendoza QB competition update)

Preseason injury concern: arm hits (Aug 19): Cousins expressed frustration about defenders targeting his arm and elbow during preseason joint practices with the Texans on multiple occasions. He has explicitly asked defenders—including edge rusher Maxx Crosby—to avoid hitting his throwing arm, citing past injuries that have "ruined your season." Cousins noted he has scars from helmets hitting his armpits in real games and prefers defenders hit his ribs or hips instead, as the contact better simulates in-game conditions. In separate joint practice with Texans (Aug 19), he reiterated concerns: "I've got some scars from some hits in real games where helmets go into armpits and things, and it ruins your season... I was just asking Crosby to just stay off the arm, and I had to remind the Texans as well." Despite wearing a no-contact red jersey during these practices, contact continued, prompting his question: "I might as well just take the red jersey off because you're playing with, sometimes, an understood rule that if it's not understood, then what are we doing?" This focus on arm protection reflects his lingering injury history from his time with the Falcons, where he was sacked 41 times in his last two years and threw 16 INTs in 2024 due to arm issues. Roughness during preseason joint practices remains a secondary concern at this stage but underscores the physical toll accumulating on the veteran QB. (per Raiders' Kirk Cousins blasts Maxx Crosby & Texans for rough NFL preseason physicality and Kirk Cousins frustrated by defenders hitting his arm during practice).

Preseason debut: clean execution (Aug 16): Cousins' first preseason action came in the Raiders' opener vs. Arizona (L 27-14). He went 5-of-6 for 50 yards on the opening drive and connected with tight end Michael Mayer on a 13-yard touchdown pass. HC Klint Kubiak praised the efficiency, noting nothing was forced and the execution was clean—keeping the Week 1 starter job. The drive showcased a balanced offensive attack with heavy personnel packages (multiple tight ends, fullback Connor Heyward) and pre-snap motions typical of Kubiak's scheme. (per The candidates who'll lead the Raiders in scoring this season - Yahoo Sports).

Contract structure clarified (Aug 22): Cousins' Raiders deal functions as a one-year, fully guaranteed $20M commitment with a club option covering two additional seasons at $80M total—not the full five-year $172M headline number (per Raiders QB battle takes intriguing turn between Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza after Kubiak's message).

Locked as Week 1 starter (Aug 21): After preseason Week 2 joint practices and games, HC Klint Kubiak confirmed Cousins is locked in as the Week 1 starter vs. Miami on September 13. Cousins' decision was finalized following his clean Week 1 preseason performance (5-6, 50 yards, 1 TD) and methodical role in subsequent joint practices. While still taking limited reps to stay healthy, Cousins didn't give Mendoza any opening to gain ground—Mendoza threw a pick-six on his third pass and struggled with decision-making (8-15, 86 yards, 1 TD, 1 pick-six). Kubiak's language shifted from "opportunity" to certainty: it's "Cousins' job to lose" (per Raiders still refusing to name a starting QB, but they've given plenty of hints about Week 1), indicating the veteran is the clear choice while the rookie absorbs the Shanahan-system scheme over the next 3+ weeks.

Preseason Week 2 (Aug 23): Cousins did not play in the Raiders' game against Houston Texans, with HC Kubiak managing his reps to keep him healthy heading into Week 1 (per NFL preseason Week 2 winners and losers: Bo Nix shines in return, Deshaun Watson takes shot at Browns fans).

Preseason Week 3 vs 49ers (Aug 28): In the Raiders' preseason finale, Cousins led two opening drives with the projected starters, each resulting in field goal attempts. He completed 8 of 11 passes for 51 yards and a passer rating of 82.0, showcasing clean decision-making and execution. Across two preseason games (Weeks 1 and 3), Cousins went 13-of-17 for 101 yards with 1 TD, avoiding turnovers and reinforcing HC Kubiak's confidence. Limited preseason action was intentional—designed to keep him healthy rather than prove anything at this stage. Cousins is locked in as the Week 1 starter vs. Miami on September 13 (per Kubiak mum on Raiders starter as Fernando Mendoza struggles - ESPN).

Cut day outlook (Aug 30): USA Today's cut day analysis identifies Cousins' future with the Raiders as "murky," with the QB facing a potential cut or trade. The Raiders prioritize cap flexibility (ranked 30th in available cap space) and have their franchise QB of the future in Fernando Mendoza. If Cousins is cut, he becomes a free agent available to other teams seeking QB depth; if traded, the Raiders capture some draft capital. Either scenario accelerates Mendoza's path to starting reps. (per 9 biggest names on NFL roster cut day 2026)

Role / Depth Chart

Starting QB for Las Vegas Raiders in 2026. Expected transition to backup role once Fernando Mendoza is ready.

Injury Status

Achilles tendon (torn in 2025 with Atlanta Falcons). Ahead of schedule in recovery. Fully participating in offseason program as of June 2026.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Will Kirk Cousins remain healthy through a full 2026 season, or will his Achilles tear history resurface as a concern?
  • Can Cousins hold off the emerging Mendoza for the Week 1 start after Mendoza's solid preseason debut?

Recent Game Performance

Aug 14 preseason: Mendoza started and had a solid debut (10-16, 97 yards, 1 TD), putting pressure on Cousins' starting role if the rookie continues to impress (per NFL preseason Week 1: Fernando Mendoza solid in debut, other rookies also impress)

Sources

Coaches shaping Kirk's role

Klint KubiakHead CoachAndrew JanockoOffensive CoordinatorJoe WoodsPass Game Coordinator/Defensive BacksNick HolzOffensive Pass Game CoordinatorBen WilkersonAssistant Offensive LineMike SullivanQuarterbacksRick DennisonOffensive Line

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