Raiders handed outstanding grade for Kirk Cousins signing

Raiders handed outstanding grade for Kirk Cousins signing originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Las Vegas Raiders were long linked with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, and it didn't take long for new head coach Klint Kubiak to sign the veteran.

With the Raiders expected to take Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, he needed a veteran head in the quarterback room to help him navigate the trials and tribulations of an NFL season. But some aren't sure the Raiders' getting Cousins was the best move, but the franchise is only paying the veteran a little over $11 million in 2026. And for ESPN's Ben Solak, he's given the move an "A" grade.

"This is about as good as backup quarterback signings get," Solak wrote . "Cousins is a grizzled veteran with a ton of familiarity in the Shanahan/McVay offensive tree, from which Klint Kubiak's offense spawns. "Earning the trust of the team is a critical step for any rookie quarterback, and Cousins is well equipped to shepherd Mendoza through that process.

This is a great fit across the board. " More: Falcons named landing spot for 22-TD free agent WR Raiders have ideal QB set up With Mendoza expected to be drafted, and having Cousins as part of the room, the Raiders, it appears, have everything covered as far as the quarterback position is concerned. Mendoza is the young star who will start, and Cousins is the veteran head helping him ease his way through his rookie season.