Kirk Cousins reveals he already has in Vegas with the Raiders what he hadn’t had in a while, and he hasn’t played a snap yet
The Las Vegas Raiders are bringing joy back to their new quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and he hasn’t even played a snap or game yet in the Silver and Black.
The Las Vegas Raiders have already helped their new quarterback, Kirk Cousins, accomplish something he hasn’t felt in some time. The best part is, he hasn’t even played a snap yet. Cousins has some happiness back.
“Yeah, there certainly was a joy getting off the plane, getting picked up, heading to do all my logistical things to join a new team, there was a joy and excitement being here, partly probably has to do with the tradition of this organization, specifically getting to put on this logo, one of the coolest logos in all of professional sports,” Cousins told reporters earlier this week.
“So, it just feels like a real privilege to be here. I remember having that feeling when I was at Michigan State as a freshman, like getting to wear that Spartan head and being a part of that just felt like such a privilege, and I had that feeling today. So, yeah, I just think it’s a beautiful place to live, beautiful place to be, and it’s a great opportunity.”
Of course, that could all change after a snap. Geno Smith once felt the same arriving in Vegas, but now feels differently. The same could happen with Cousins—only time will tell.
Kirk Cousins playing with confidence and joy could be scary
Their new franchise quarterback can learn from a veteran who shares a similar style and personality—an important opportunity. Equally important is Cousins’ positive headspace. If Cousins weren’t able to play this year or didn’t feel right, Mendoza wouldn’t get the full benefit. With Cousins feeling good physically and mentally, the Raiders have a real chance to learn how to win. And, with Cousins in a good headspace, who knows what version of him we could see?
His comments suggest that last season with the Falcons wasn’t necessarily happy. And even then, Cousins, as a backup in Atlanta in 2025 and playing 10 games, performed well in advanced metrics. For instance, he posted an 89.5% Catchable Ball Percentage (seventh-best among players with 100+ attempts) and a 78.1% On Target Percentage (sixth-best), demonstrating strong accuracy.
The Raiders have a different vibe in the building. With Kubiak and Spytek, it feels different. It’s obvious that the vibe is rubbing off on Cousins already.
