3 Reasons Why Signing Kirk Cousins is a Brilliant Move by the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to what amounts to a one-year deal. Here's three reasons why this was a brilliant move by the organization.

1. Low Risk, High Reward

Regardless of his contract language, Cousins deal comes out to a one-year contract worth $20 million. The Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons are splitting the wage bill, which means the Raiders are essentially paying $10 million for an instant starter who will operate as a bridge for Fernando Mendoza, the expected first overall pick.

After the season, the Raiders will be able to walk away with no issue, allowing them to capitalize on Mendoza's rookie deal.

2. Takes the Pressure off Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza will be the starter one day. Everyone knows it, including Cousins. This is not a Michael Penix Jr situation, where Cousins was caught off-guard by the selection. Mendoza will be on his schedule and while there's always pressure to win, the Raiders understand that Klint Kubiak needs time and for an organization who has had four different head coaches in four years, they want stability.

Part of establishing stability is ensuring their young quarterback isn't shellshocked after his rookie season. Cousins will give the team the veteran ability to diagnose coverages to then deliver quick, concise passes that help balance the rushing attack, while the offensive line learns how to play together, especially in a new system.

If Cousins is competetive, great. He knows the system, worked with Kubiak for years in Minnesota and loves to target big tight ends. A rushing attack paired with big bodies will condense defenses, leaving the exterior open for one-on-one matchups that would limit Cousins' propensity to throw an interception.

If he struggles, Mendoza time with Mendoza having the proper time to be a permanent solution and not another band-aid.

3. Schematic Fit

Cousins is built for the Raiders' offense. With Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, Kolton Miller, Tyler Linderbaum, and others As mentioned above, Cousins is built for the offense. Kubiak runsh the Shanahan system, which requires multiple tight end formations and a solid fullback.

That means that Cousins won't have to continously push the ball up field, allowing him to be a game-manager, while the Raiders revamped defense goes to work. Plus, the way the Shanahan offense works, it's a lot of underneath throws and play action, two things Cousins does exceptionally well.