Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders face a clear need at quarterback, with Aidan O’Connell currently the only player on the roster. Many expect the team to select former Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
When it comes to a potential third quarterback, the Raiders seem to be leaning toward a veteran presence. They showed interest in Joe Flacco, but he opted to remain with the Cincinnati Bengals.
That leaves another experienced option in Kirk Cousins, who could appeal to Las Vegas, particularly if the team prefers Mendoza to develop before stepping into a starting role. However, former NFL player Booger McFarland doesn’t see Cousins as a fit, given that the veteran wants to play.
“Kirk is a tremendous guy, and I thinkthere’s no doubt in my mind that someday he’s going to be in that role,”McFarland said on the April 1 edition of “NFL Live.” “But right now, Kirk Cousins wants to play. So maybe, to your point, somebody has no intention of, when you get tapped on the shoulder, it’s time for you to come out. They’ll gladly step aside, put the ball cap on and say, ‘Let’s go, Fernando.’“
Last season with the Atlanta Falcons,Cousins posted a 76.0 overall PFF grade, ranking 14th among 43 qualified quarterbacks. His passing grade was 75.0, also 14th at the position. On 289 dropbacks, he threw for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions, while recording nine big-time throws and five turnover-worthy plays.
NFL Insider Gives Update on Kirk Cousins’ Future
Amid the speculation, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter shared an update on Cousins’ future.
“I think Kirk Cousins is just sitting back and waiting,“Schefter said on the March 31 edition of the “Pat McAfee Show.”“Whatever opportunity comes his way, he can be selective and choose. He’s made as much money as an NFL player, so he doesn’t have to rush into anything.”
Moreover, Schefterdid touch on whether the Raiders make sense for Cousins,considering the player has options outsideof thefootball field.
“Is he rushing out to Vegas now? “ Schefter added. “He’s got his family. I don’t know. He can go when he wants, he can go where he wants, he could play, he could not play, he could broadcast. I don’t think he’s rushing to anything until he feels like it’s the right thing, whatever that is.”
Raiders Projected to Be Landing Spot for Kirk Cousins
After missing out on Flacco,Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport identified one free agent for all 32 NFL teams to sign before the season starts, suggesting Cousins.
“Just because Mendoza is the future under center in Sin City doesn’t mean he should be the present, “ Davenport wrote. “And with Aidan O’Connell the only QB currently on the roster, the Raiders need a bridge starter who can hold down the fort until Mendoza is ready to take over the offense.
“Kirk Cousins wasn’t great in 10 games (and eight starts) for theAtlanta Falcons. He completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. But he is a four-time Pro Bowler with 167 career starts in the NFL under his belt. Whether it’s as a veteran stopgap or a mentor for Mendoza, it makes sense to bring in the 37-year-old.”