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Kirk Cousins linked to 1 team in free agency

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 4:30 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons officially released quarterback Kirk Cousins on Wednesday, and it did not take long for him to be linked with a new team.

The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to show interest in Cousins, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Cousins would serve as a bridge quarterback in 2026 while the Raiders develop likely No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.

Expect the Las Vegas Raiders to show interest in Kirk Cousins as they look for a veteran QB addition to help develop presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. pic.twitter.com/TFNo023SnY
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 11, 2026

Cousins certainly makes sense for the Raiders, particularly since indications are that they will not want to start Mendoza right away. They just traded Geno Smith to the Jets to open up a quarterback spot, and Cousins profiles as a short-term fix for any team that lands him.

From Cousins’ perspective, he would probably rather be a clear-cut starter, but teams appear to have a lot of doubts about him at this stage of his career. A one-year bridge deal with a team like the Raiders may be the best outcome he can hope for.

Cousins went 5-3 in eight starts for Atlanta last season after starter Michael Penix Jr. got hurt. He threw for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions, suggesting the 37-year-old still has something left in the tank.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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