While the Las Vegas Raiders are eyeing Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the AFC West franchise have added a veteran quarterback to the roster
10:15 ET, 02 Apr 2026Updated 10:15 ET, 02 Apr 2026
Kirk Cousins has signed with the Raiders, ending his two-year stint in Atlanta
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Kirk Cousins has signed with the Raiders, ending his two-year stint in Atlanta(Image: Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed Kirk Cousins, who could serve as a perfect mentor for presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
The Raiders have experienced a remarkable offseason thus far. After landing a new head coach in Klint Kubiak, the AFC West franchise’s star player Maxx Crosby secured a trade to the Baltimore Ravens only for the move to sensationally collapse.
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Las Vegas is set to select national champion starter Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza didn’t throw at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he impressed during Indiana’s Pro Day on Wednesday.
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Mendoza is set to be handed the reins, but after Geno Smith was traded to the New York Jets, the Raiders needed a veteran presence in the quarterback room, particularly after Kubiak preached not wanting to rush a young signal-caller onto the field. Cousins has now filled that space.
Kubiak and Cousins have a history. Kubiak worked with Cousins for three seasons at the Minnesota Vikings, the veteran will now suit up in Sin City as he extends his career following a bumpy few seasons.
Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, Cousins left the Vikings following a six-year run and inked a blockbuster four-year contract worth $180 million to join the Atlanta Falcons. However, his move did not reap the success he hoped for.
The Falcons later sensationally selected Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, catching Cousins off guard. The rookie eventually succeeded the veteran, who struggled as the season went on.
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Fernando Mendoza took part in the Indiana Pro Day on Wednesday
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Fernando Mendoza took part in the Indiana Pro Day on Wednesday(Image: Getty Images)
Following Penix’s ACL injury in 2025, Cousins returned to the lineup. He threw for 1,721 yards and 10 touchdowns while tossing five interceptions, but showed he still could win games as he sealed a 5-3 record.
Now, Cousins will link up with Al Davis, Tom Brady, and Kubiak, hoping to steady the ship so Mendoza can eventually take over. The Raiders have weapons to help the veteran thrive if he finds some form, including tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty.
Ultimately, 2025 was a difficult season for the Raiders' offense. Las Vegas ranked 32nd — dead bottom in the NFL — in points scored, total yards, and rushing touchdowns. Cousins won’t be expected to turn the unit around single-handedly, but if the Raiders offense is elevated and stable for Mendoza to take over, he will have done his job.
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Mendoza threw 56 passes at his Indiana Pro Day, which took place inside the John Mellencamp Pavilion. He told reporters: “I feel like it went great. You know, quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that. However, I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we're going to be running in the NFL.”