Kirk Cousins
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on prior to a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek made his stance clear on the importance of having a veteran quarterback on the roster to pair with a rookie QB, and former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is the name to keep an eye on.
“I think you want to limit the amount of pressure you have on that guy from the start. Now, if you have a young quarterback, I’m not necessarily in favor of running him out there right away either. So another quality player that can play the quarterback position if you have a young quarterback.”
In a way, Spytek likely wants projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to follow the path that some of the legendary NFL QBs took, like Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, where they didn’t start right away in the NFL.
At the beginning of free agency, NFL insider Dianna Russini reported that the Raiders are “expected to show interest” in Cousins as they look for a veteran QB to help develop Mendoza, but there could be some competition with an emerging suitor.
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The Raiders are “expected to show interest” in Kirk Cousins as they look for a veteran QB to help develop Fernando Mendoza, per @DMRussini.
Raiders Receive New Information on Kirk Cousins Amid Veteran QB Search
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed more information on Cousins being linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had interest in trading for him a year ago, and have yet to decide whether they want to re-sign Rodgers.
“Kirk Cousins is the one, and I know they called on him last year, and the Falcons at the time didn’t want to trade him. Didn’t want to engage in trade talks, but now Kirk Cousins is free. Cousins potentially could be an option if they pivot away from Aaron Rodgers, which hasn’t happened yet.”
The Steelers could very likely be in play for Cousins, and if that’s the case, the Raiders need to act fast because options are thinning out.
Joe Flacco re-signed with the Bengals. Russell Wilson isn’t an option, with one personnel executive saying, “I hear some people talking about Las Vegas. Really? He’s going to be the guy that’s the role model for (presumptive first-overall pick) Fernando Mendoza…? There isn’t a market for Russell Wilson. Just count how many other guys got jobs.” Who’s left?
Cousins should be the guy the Raiders go after, but they may not be the only NFL team in play for him.
Is Derek Carr a Viable Option?
Derek Carr
GettyDerek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Derek Carr has expressed interest in returning to the NFL, along with joining the Raiders’ coaching staff to help mentor Mendoza, but would he be a viable option as someone who can start at the beginning of the season?
For starters, Carr hasn’t appeared in a game since 2024. But that’s not even the biggest reason why he isn’t a viable option for Las Vegas.
If the Raiders were to bring back Carr, they would have to trade with the New Orleans Saints, who retain his contractual rights. Because Carr retired, his existing contract is reinstated upon his return, should he decide to come back to the NFL.
That, along with a huge cap hit, it’s likely something that Spytek isn’t willing to do. Even if Cousins decides to sign with the Steelers, it’s not the end of the world for the Raiders.
Mendoza is already learning the Raiders’ offensive playbook, and Las Vegas should be just fine should he have to start Week 1.