Las Vegas Raiders sign Kirk Cousins to a staggering $172 million deal, but full earnings remain uncertain.

The Las Vegas Raiders faced a tumultuous 2025 NFL season, characterized by a dismal record despite a promising start. However, a strategic shift is underway as the team prepares for the upcoming draft, marking a new chapter in their journey with the potential acquisition of a star player.

Raiders’ Tumultuous Season

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 season was one to forget. It began on a high note with a surprising 20-13 victory over the New England Patriots, who later went on to secure a 14-3 record and claim the AFC Championship. Unfortunately for the Raiders, that win was swiftly overshadowed by a disheartening string of performances, as they lost 14 of their next 15 games. The season concluded with a narrow 14-12 win against a Kansas City Chiefs team mostly fielding backups, providing a glimmer of hope at the end of a bleak campaign.

Drafting for the Future

Despite the challenges, the Raiders are set to benefit from their difficult season. They enter this month’s NFL Draft with the coveted first overall pick and are widely expected to select Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana. Central to their strategy is the plan for Mendoza to learn under seasoned quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The Raiders have secured Cousins on a five-year deal potentially worth up to $172 million. While this figure appears substantial, only $20 million is guaranteed, making it significantly lower than what Cousins would have earned if he remained with the Atlanta Falcons. This arrangement marks Cousins’ eleventh consecutive season of guaranteed salary, a unique achievement in NFL history attributed to his agent, Mike McCartney of Vayner Sports.

Even if Cousins plays just this season, the contract is favorable for him. After a series of impressive seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, he faced challenges in 2024, leading the league in interceptions with 16. His performance dipped further in 2025, where he was replaced by Michael Penix Jr. mid-season, finishing with a completion rate of 61.7%, 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions—the worst statistics he has recorded in a decade.

Now, Cousins has a chance to redefine his career in Las Vegas, with expectations that he will take the field as the starting quarterback when the regular season kicks off. Financially, this deal also benefits the Raiders: Cousins will earn the veteran minimum of $1.3 million this season, while the Falcons are obligated to cover the remaining $8.7 million. Should the Raiders opt to release him, he could receive another $10 million next March, or they might retain him under a two-year, $80 million option.

Cousins has established himself as one of the highest earners in NFL history, amassing nearly $321.7 million throughout his career, which ranks third among all players. His impressive earnings reflect not just his play on the field, but also innovative contract arrangements that have served him well.