The Las Vegas Raiders officially moved on from quarterback Geno Smith by trading him to the New York Jets. It ends a failed one-year experiment in Las Vegas for Smith, who is returning to wear his career began (and nearly flamed out).
Even before they hired Klint Kubiak as their head coach, there was speculation that the Raiders would take Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman winning quarterback from Indiana, with the first overall pick. Adding Kubiak, who has worked wonders with quarterbacks in the past, only intensified these beliefs.
This all being said, while just about everyone expects the Raiders to draft Mendoa, there are also some who believe they should sign a veteran to start in front of him for a year.
Las Vegas Raiders linked to Kirk Cousins despite Fernando Mendoza expectations
Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The majority of the NFL’s veteran free agent quarterbacks have already been signed by other teams. What is more, not many of them would have been interested in going to a team where they are going to replaced in a year.
However, there is one intriguing quarterback with ties to Kubiak who is available: Kirk Cousins.
CBS Sports recently named Las Vegas as the best landing spot for Cousins, writing:
“Cousins would obviously prefer to go to a team where he might be able to start, but with those options drying up, the Raiders would make a lot of sense. For one, this would reunite him with Klint Kubiak. The Raiders new head coach spent three seasons (2019-21) in Minnesota with Cousins. Kubiak was Vikings’ QB coach for two years before being promoted to offensive coordinator, so he worked closely with Cousins in Minnesota.
“The familiarity there could be something that pushes Cousins toward Las Vegas. Also, if the Raiders are going to draft Mendoza, Cousins would be the perfect veteran to come in and help mentor him. Cousins has seen everything that an NFL defense can throw at you, plus, he already knows Kubiak’s offense, so he could help Mendoza quickly learn the ropes in the NFL.
“This would also give the Raiders the option of starting the season with Cousins under center and letting Mendoza learn the ropes before throwing him on the field.”
As noted above, Cousins would be the perfect veteran to come in and mentor Mendoza for a year. He is familiar with Kubiak’s offense and can show him the ropes while he learns the ins and outs of the NFL.
It is tempting, of course, for struggling franchises like the Raiders to have their top rookie quarterback start for them right away. However, that does not always work out well. It may be better for both Las Vegas and Mendoza in the long-run if they turn to Cousins or another veteran for the 2026 season.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here