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).

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

2026-06-10 — Why Titans Game Most Important Benchmark of Raiders' Season (Why Titans Game Most Important Benchmark of Raiders' Season)
2026-05-23 — 2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing Week 3 home opener vs. Raiders (2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing Week 3 home opener vs. Raiders)
2026-06-02 — Best Tight Ends for Fantasy Football 2026 (Best Tight Ends for Fantasy Football 2026)
2026-06-03 — Best Fantasy Football Picks of 2026 (Best Fantasy Football Picks of 2026)
2026-05-28 — SI's 2026 Ranking of the NFL’s Coach-QB Duos (SI's 2026 Ranking of the NFL’s Coach-QB Duos)
2026-06-08 — 2026 NFL minicamps: Teams, rookies, QBs we're watching (2026 NFL minicamps: Teams, rookies, QBs we're watching)
2026-06-11 — NFL 2026 minicamp takeaways: Browns' Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders competition heating up (NFL 2026 minicamp takeaways: Browns' Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders competition heating up)
2026-06-14 — After Knicks' long-awaited title, ranking NFL teams most likely to end their Super... (After Knicks' long-awaited title, ranking NFL teams most likely to end their Super...)
2026-05-27 — 49ers 2026 Schedule Preview Ranked by Championship Impact (49ers 2026 Schedule Preview Ranked by Championship Impact)
2026-06-10 — Kevin O’Connell Updates Timeline for Vikings QB Battle (Kevin O’Connell Updates Timeline for Vikings QB Battle)

Open Questions

Will Kirk Cousins remain healthy through a full 2026 season, or will his Achilles tear history resurface as a concern?