Cousins Joins Raiders, Kubiak's Offense

0:00It's April 9th. NFL News Today starts now, AI-powered, and game ready. I'm Cory with the story. The Las Vegas Raiders just signed veteran quarterback Kurt Cousins to a one-year deal, worth $20 million fully guaranteed. It's basically a bridge gig until their young guy Fernando Mendoza takes over. Cousins is pumped because his new head coach Clint Kubiak was his offensive coordinator back in 2021 with the Vikings. And he played some of his best ball ever. Kubiak's coming off a hot street too, winning the Super Bowl two months ago as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks where he helped. Another ex-Viking Sam Darnold Shine. This reunion has that Vikings energy, carrying over to the AFC West, and Cousins already praised Kubiak in his staff this week. Fans and analysts see Cousins as the steady hand to mentor Mendoza, sharing his routines and habits in a crowded quarterback room. He's cool with being a voice, not the main guy forever, especially since first-round

1:02picks like Mendoza usually grab the starting spot. Quick these. Days. Stats back up. Why this pairing clicks? Since becoming a full-time starter in 2015, Cousins ranked high in efficiency metrics during Kubiak's years, like 7th and 2, 2019, 9th and 2020, and solid overall. This holds an option for two more years at 80 million if needed, but expect Cousins hitting free agency next March. Odds makers aren't betting big though, pegging Vegas for just four or five wins next season. Still, if Cousins turns back the clock under Kubiak, they might surprise and stack some early victories before handing off the keys.