Raiders Shake Things Up with Kirk Cousins Signing

NFL transactions have really slowed the past couple weeks, but there's enough that's happened of late to put together an article today!

The big focus will be on Kirk Cousins signing with the Raiders. We'll hit on a few other deals before wrapping up this article.

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Cousins to Raiders/Fantasy Impact

Cousins signed a five-year deal worth $172 million with the Raiders. In reality, it's a one-year deal, and he could be retained in years to come if need be.

He's being brought in to be a veteran voice in the quarterback room. The Raiders are expected to take Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and signing Cousins likely signals that Las Vegas won't start Mendoza right away.

Mendoza is just 22 years old, and really had just one good collegiate season - in 2025 with the Indiana Hoosiers. There's a lot to like with his game, but to say he's a finished product is definitely not true.

He has learning to do, and by signing Cousins, the Raiders can ease Mendoza into things.

I think the signing is kind of ironic. Just a couple years ago, Cousins signed with Atlanta, only to have the team draft Michael Penix Jr., and Penix has been the preferred guy between the two pretty much right away.

Now, Cousins joins a new team, and the Raiders will be drafting another quarterback in the first round, and this time the first pick. Cousins knew that though, so I wonder if he got some kind of guarantee that made this situation one he was interested in taking on.

I doubt they guaranteed him the starting job, but maybe they laid out the plan for Mendoza, and Cousins decided to start and help develop the young quarterback.

Whatever the case, this muddies the fantasy outlook for both quarterbacks, and the Raiders' offense in general for 2026.

We'll hopefully learn more about the Raiders' plan in weeks/months to come, but Mendoza's fantasy stock took a huge hit after Cousins signed there. If Mendoza isn't the starter right away, he won't be worth rostering in many redraft leagues, and if he's not deemed good enough to start over Cousins, then he might not be in store for a good rookie season overall.

I still like Mendoza's long-term outlook a good deal, and like when quarterbacks get mentored by veterans. It just means that Mendoza might not be able to help you out immediately in 2026, but that's OK, and shouldn't lead to you avoiding him in dynasty leagues.

As for Cousins, he now has some 2026 fantasy value, but just for the short term. This will eventually be Mendoza's team, and Cousins is basically a bridge QB. Cousins could still be worth utilizing in some fantasy leagues in 2026 for as long as he's starting though, so don't forget about him.

Other Recent NFL Transactions

There haven't been many notable moves, but there's some recognizable names who just found new homes.

Safety Chuck Clark signed with Detroit. He's likely to be a backup behind Brian Branch, but with Branch battling injuries in 2025, maybe Clark could play a bigger role than expected in 2026.

Hendon Hooker signed with Tennessee. He will help back up Cameron Ward, but need to beat out Mitchell Trubisky and Will Levis for a spot on the roster. Those are three noteworthy backups behind Ward, so I'm curious to see who the Titans keep for 2026.

Wideout K.J. Osborn signed a deal with Washington. He's just a depth wideout, but has some success across his NFL career. He could have a hard time cracking the roster, as Washington has some notable wideouts in that room now.

Kyle Dugger and Ja'Sir Taylor each signed with the Bengals. Those are two more offseason moves to shore up the defense in Cincinnati. Dugger and Taylor are projected to be backups, but they are needed after the defense has struggled the past few years.

Tony Jefferson re-signed with the Chargers. He is the projected starter, so he could have some IDP value if he sticks in that role. 

Jonathan Bullard signed with the Cowboys. He'll be another option on the defensive line, battling with signee Otito Ogbonnia for playing time. I wouldn't be surprised if Dallas added some rookies there too.

Kaiir Elam signed with Kansas City, giving the Chiefs some secondary help after losing a couple cornerbacks this offseason. Elam is projected to be a backup, but we'll see if that sticks.

Darnay Holmes signed with the Falcons. He's the projected backup nickel cornerback, and could earn some more playing time if injuries hit the Atlanta secondary.

Running back Michael Carter landed with the Titans. He's projected to be third on the depth chart, behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. There's not much fantasy value for a third back, but injuries could thrust Carter into a bigger role.