3 Reasons Why Kirk Cousins Rejected the Rams

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams learned on Thursday that Kirk Cousins, whom Sean McVay expressed tremendous interest in signing, joined the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2026 season.

Despite a championship offense and the ability to launch a media career in Los Angeles, here's three reasons why Cousins didn't come to the Rams.

1. The Money

The Raiders offered Cousins a boatload of money, and while he signed a multi-year deal, that's more for accounting. Cousins is essentially on a one-year deal that the Raiders can get out of after this upcoming season.

Dec 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) looks downfield against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Raiders will pay $10 million, and the Atlanta Falcons will pay the other $10 million. The Rams, once they sign their draft class, will likely have around $10 million left over. The Rams need space for the regular season as well as the post-draft veteran free agent market.

2. Stafford Might Be Around For a While

When we learned about Cousins' interest with the Rams, it was predicated on Cousins eventually succeeding Matthew Stafford as the team's QB1. Cousins could still do that as he's only on a one-year deal, but it's starting to look like the 2026 season re-lit a burning fire in Stafford.

For years, Stafford was the NFL's punching bag. Literally. He was getting lit up left and right in Detroit, skewing the perception of Stafford's greatness. How do I know? Because I was one of those guys until I started working the Rams' beat, learning more about who Stafford is as a person, teammate, and leader. This is his team, the NFL is finally recognizing his greatness, and he's the MVP.

When Aaron Rodgers won MVP in 2020, he was in the age range Stafford is at right now. Rodgers won an MVP again in 2021 and is still playing. Stafford is a star athlete in one of the greatest cities in the world. However, he also gets to blend in as the stars are plentiful in Southern California.

Who's going to give that up?

3. Schematic Fit

Outside of the McVay offense, there's only one scheme in which Cousins fits in better. That's the Shanahan offense that Klint Kubiak runs in Las Vegas. There are many similarities between the two systems, but the big difference is that the McVay offense uses smaller players to exploit exterior and downfield passing lanes, while the Shanahan system loves to use tight ends and fullbacks to outmuscle the opposition, setting up space via play action.

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak speaks at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cousins is much better in the Shanahan system because it limits his ability to make a bad decision. The Raiders have a top center, a generational talent at running back with Ashton Jeanty, and two top tight ends in Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.