Kirk Cousins Rejects Rams Advances, Signs Somewhere Else

The Los Angeles Rams have to turn in a new direction for a backup quarterback

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams were one of several teams interested in the services of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins, a veteran passer, took a dramatic step up in performance under the tuteledge of Kyle Shanahan and then Sean McVay during their time in Washington.

Due to his experience and understanding of both offenses, it was always likely that Cousins was going to play in one of those two systems in 2026. We now know which system it is and it isn't the Rams.

Cousins Signs With the Raiders

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reports that Cousins has joined the Las Vegas Raiders, who are coached by Klint Kubiak.

Sources: The #Raiders are signing QB Kirk Cousins to a contract that pays him $10M for playing in Las Vegas in 2026 ($1.3M paid by LV, the rest by the #Falcons) and $10M next March in a fully guaranteed roster bonus with no offset," stated Rapoport. "There is a 2-year team option for $80M."

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Kubiak is a former assistant of Kyle Shanahan and runs the Shanahan offense. The origins of the system come from Mike Shanahan, Kyle's dad, and the man who helped McVay accelerate as a coach. Shanahan and Klint Kubiak's dad, Gary, perfected the system during their stints as coaches for the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, winning three Super Bowls together.

Klint Kubiak and Cousins worked together for three seasons in Minnesota.

What Does This Mean For the Rams

Obviously, the Rams were significantly outbid for Cousins' services, and the Raiders are likely giving Cousins the keys as they develop expected first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Cousins is the latest in a series of moves that the Raiders have done with their tremendous cap space.

This is a team that gave Tyler Linderbaum an outrageous, record-setting deal that's nearly guaranteed. The Rams, who invested over $200 million in their secondary this offseason and do not have an open quarterback job, could not come close to matching the financial and playing sides of Cousins agreement with Las Vegas.

November 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (11) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

So now they must find another backup quarterback but McVay already told reporters that it was unlikely for the team to re-sign Jimmy Garoppolo. While there's no confirmation, Garoppolo could once again negotiate with the Arizona Cardinals or the Pittsburgh Steelers, if Aaron Rodgers wants to retire.

This now opens the door to other options, with Russell Wilson, John Wolford, and Tyrod Taylor appearing to be top options.