Yet, one spot remains empty. A notch in the wall. Reserved for a special crown. The one and only - the Lombardi Trophy. Cousin’s career has been nothing short of spectacular, but it is missing the ultimate pinnacle. And the star quarterback is still trying to reach it. This time, he is chasing it with the Las Vegas Raiders.
On April 6, the Raiders signed Cousins to a five-year, 172-million-dollar deal. Last season, Las Vegas had one of the worst seasons in franchise history as they went 3-14. After the season concluded, the organization fired head coach Pete Carroll after just a one-year-long tenure. But the rebuild began immediately – the Raiders hired Klint Kubiak to lead the team and secured the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Teacher and mentor
After parting ways with their former playmaker Geno Smith, they are heavily expected to draft Fernando Mendoza, a standout from Indiana University who led the Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship in a perfect, undefeated season. But a rookie quarterback is rarely ready to play right away in the best football league in the world, and the Raiders don’t intend to immediately let Mendoza swim with sharks. They want him to learn, grow, and develop.
Enter Cousins; one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the NFL who overflows with experience and knowledge. Coming off a two-year turbulent stint with the Atlanta Falcons that fell short of expectations, he arrives in Las Vegas with something to prove - and perhaps a final chapter to write.
After a standout collegiate campaign at Michigan State, the Washington Redskins drafted Kirk in the fourth round, making him the 102nd overall pick in 2012. Originally, Cousins was meant to be somewhat of an insurance policy as the team drafted 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III with the intention to make him a franchise quarterback. But Cousins worked tirelessly, earning a starting spot three years later. And he never looked back.
The Illinois native spent six seasons in Washington, and after being unable to work out another long-term deal in the nation’s capital, Cousins signed with the Minnesota Vikings. His three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million contract was the largest of its kind at the time. After two seasons, Cousins signed a two-year extension.
Overcoming adversity
While team success in Minnesota was inconsistent, Cousins delivered some of the best seasons of his career. In 2022, he came closest to reaching the Super Bowl. The Vikings finished 13–4, entering the playoffs with momentum and belief. But the postseason proved to be Cousin’s nemesis.
In the Wild Card round, Minnesota faced the New York Giants, and despite Kirk’s solid, high-standard game – he threw for 273 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions - the Giants found a way through the Vikings’ defense and outlasted them 31-24. The heartbreaking loss ended Minnesota’s season, as well as its championship aspirations.
The next season held hopes for redemption, but the fans were forced to witness them fade as Cousins was struck by an injury during Week 8. What first looked like a minor problem that the star quarterback was going to shake off as he hobbled off the field proved to be much more serious. Cousins was in a pocket, looking to pass the ball, but got sacked and fell down.
“I get stepped on all the time. So many times, somebody’s cleats get you on the back of your heel,” said Cousins when asked about the injury. “And I went to walk off to the sideline because we were gonna kick the field goal. And I just couldn’t feel the ground underneath my foot.” First, he thought it was an ankle injury. A few minutes later, he heard a devastating diagnosis - he tore his Achilles, and the season was over for him.
Miscommunication and damaged relationships
While Cousins was recovering, the Vikings struggled and missed the playoffs. He never suited up for Minnesota again; in March 2024, he signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. That kind of money indicated one thing - the Falcons were all in with Cousins, looking to make him the next star passer in Atlanta. Until they were not, just one short month later.
In April, the franchise drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their eighth overall pick. The Falcons didn’t notify Cousins about their intentions until they were on the clock to pick, and their surprising selection shocked the football sphere. After a rocky start at his new destination, Cousins never found comfort and rhythm with the Falcons.
He started 14 games before getting benched in favor of Penix. Before being demoted to the second-string passer, Cousins led the NFL in interceptions and was tied for the league-lead in fumbles. His 16 picks and 13 fumbles were his career highs.
In the offseason, Cousins was officially tagged as Penix’s backup for the upcoming year. In November, he got his starting role back as Penix suffered a season-ending injury. He led the Falcons in the final seven games to a 5-2 record, but Atlanta missed out on the postseason. In February, the franchise announced they were planning on releasing Cousins in the beginning of free agency.
Fresh and honest start
Less than a month after his departure from the Falcons, the Raiders announced they signed Cousins. This time, the message was clear from the start. The Raiders want Cousins to mentor a young quarterback while still competing for the starting job. There were no surprises, no mixed signals - just opportunity.
“He's put a lot of time in to get better at his craft, and he's at the facility, he's learning this new offense. He’s a guy that's going to be totally committed,” said former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon. In Las Vegas, Cousins reunited with Kubiak - as a quarterback coach, he worked with Cousins for three years in Minnesota.
The two know each other well and rely on the previously built connection and trust. Kubiak’s experience with Cousins and deep knowledge of his game perfectly explains the Raiders’ move. It’s obvious that the veteran megastar thrives under Kubiak’s guidance.
“I think highly of his system, his staff, offensive line coach Rick Dennison, offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, and the way they marry the run and pass,” Cousins said. Yet, he is ready to earn his place and doesn’t take anything for granted. He wants the best guy to earn the starting spot.
“If that's not me, I don't want to be out there,” said Cousins. “I don't think that's the best thing for the team. If I am the best option, then I believe it's important that those guys are out there. But I'm excited to get the chance to lead, help influence in the locker room, do my part, and most importantly, help our team win.”
Filling the last void
The hire of Kubiak was the cornerstone of what the Raiders hope will be a quick rebuild. Then, they signed one of the most coveted free agents in center Tyler Linderbaum. It continued with bringing in linebackers Nakobe Dean from the Eagles and Quay Walker coming in from Green Bay. And after the Baltimore Ravens called off one of the biggest trades in recent history, the Raiders got to keep Maxx Crosby - one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.
If everything clicks, this can be a fast track to team success. Las Vegas might be back in the game much sooner than expected. After all, they wouldn’t be the first franchise to post a comeback in record time.
A year ago, the New England Patriots were 4-13, experiencing one of the worst seasons the team ever had. A coaching change and bold free agency moves led to a rapid turnaround, resulting in the Patriots playing in this year’s Super Bowl. Can the Raiders do the same?
Cousins is ready for whatever role Las Vegas has for him. “I want to make the most of it,” he said. He wants to finish his career strong. There is one more spot left open in his room that is waiting to be filled. Until then, it’s unfinished business.