Andrew Buller-Russ
While there have been a few interesting reports suggesting otherwise, all signs point to the Las Vegas Raiders making Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After all, they’ve already moved on from last year’s starter by sending Geno Smith to the New York Jets.
With Aidan O’Connell as the only quarterback left on the Raiders’ roster, Las Vegas has no choice but to add another arm to the roster this offseason. Chances are, he’ll be a veteran who can help Mendoza navigate the ups and downs of his debut season.
On Wednesday, a potential mentor emerged. According to The Athletic‘s NFL insider Dianna Russini, Raiders fans should “expect” the team to “show interest” in signing the recently released Kirk Cousins to help mentor Mendoza.
While Cousins surely wants to play in 2026 rather than play the role of backup, he’d be an ideal fit for the Raiders. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback has mastered the art of preparing for his opponents, whether it’s by getting his body right or diving into the film to break down individual matchups and coverages. Cousins can be a big asset for young QBs.
Plus, if he is pressed into action, Cousins may be able to still help swing a few games in the Raiders’ favor. The 37-year-old still led the Falcons to a 5-3 record down the stretch last season, keeping them in the playoff hunt for as long as he could. If asked to do the same in Las Vegas, both sides should be confident that he’s the right man for the job.
Related: NFL Insider Updates Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Trade Price After Failed Physical
