Kirk Cousins Signed With Las Vegas Raiders
The veteran quarterback chose the Raiders over a backup role with the Los Angeles Rams.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
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Kirk Cousins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2026 NFL offseason after weighing his options. He ultimately rejected an offer to serve as the primary backup to Matthew Stafford for the Los Angeles Rams.
Why it matters
Cousins sought to join an organization with significant history and tradition, a factor heavily influenced by the atmosphere of the Raiders franchise. He specifically noted the impact of a video featuring the team poem The Autumn Wind in his final decision.
The Raiders have recorded only 3 winning seasons since 2002. Currently, the team holds an undefeated 3-0 record for the 2026 season.
The players
Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins is a veteran NFL quarterback who joined the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026.
Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford is an established NFL quarterback currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional football franchise in the NFL that holds a 3-0 record for the 2026 season.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are a professional football team in the NFL that sought to sign Cousins as a backup quarterback.
The details
After evaluating his future during the 2026 offseason, Cousins bypassed the opportunity to support Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles to lead the Raiders. The imagery presented in historical team media proved pivotal in his commitment to the Las Vegas organization.
Timeline
The historical performance record cited for the Raiders begins in 2002.
Cousins weighed his career options during the 2026 offseason.
The Raiders defeated the New Orleans Saints on September 27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The acquisition of Cousins during an undefeated 3-0 start signals the Raiders' attempt to break a long-standing trend of inconsistency. This move directly alters the competitive balance of the division as the team looks to move past its record of only three winning seasons since 2002.
Cousins assumes the starting quarterback role for an undefeated team, immediately shifting the expectations for the Raiders' playoff potential. His decision removes a high-level backup option for the Rams' roster construction.
The takeaway
The decision highlights how intangible elements like team history and cultural identity remain powerful drivers for veteran athletes in free agency. Players often prioritize the perceived legacy of a franchise even when evaluating professional situations with short-term competitive differences.
Further reading
For more information on team moves and standings, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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