Raiders sign Cousins, eye Mendoza at No. 1 pick
The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to terms on a contract with Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins on Thursday, his agent announced. Terms remain undisclosed. The team holds the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft and remains widely expected to select Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
Cousins, 37, joins Las Vegas after the Raiders traded Geno Smith to the New York Jets following one poor season. He signed a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons two seasons ago worth up to $180 million but was released two seasons later. Cousins shares history with Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who served as his quarterbacks coach for two seasons and offensive coordinator for one during Cousins' Minnesota Vikings tenure.
Cousins went 5-3 as a starter for Atlanta last season, including wins in the final four games, after rookie Michael Penix Jr. suffered a torn ACL. In 10 games and eight starts, he completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. He ranks 19th in NFL history with 44,700 regular-season passing yards and 15th with 298 touchdown passes.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek have stated a preference against starting young quarterbacks immediately. Should Las Vegas select Mendoza first overall, the team may open the season with Cousins while the rookie develops.
