A compelling narrative is unfolding in Las Vegas. When Cousins signed with the Raiders earlier this month, many questioned whether the team would still target Mendoza with the top pick. However, the organization’s plan has become clear: they intend to foster a competitive environment between the seasoned veteran and the rookie phenom.

Upon his arrival, Cousins thanked the Raiders organization for their belief in him, as he is excited to wear their uniform. He has also openly acknowledged that a competition with Mendoza is on the horizon, stating that “the best player needs to play” and expressing his excitement to lead and mentor the next generation of talent.

“I honestly don’t want to start unless I’m the best option, and I told Klint that,” Cousins said on Good Morning Football. “The best player should play. As long as that’s the case, I have no qualms about however it plays out. I do think Fernando is going to be a great addition to our team. I think he’s going to have a great future in our league. I have no problem being a voice in the room to help him to the degree I can.

“He’s going to have great support around him with the coaching staff, but to be able to watch a veteran quarterback go through his habits and routines and process, that can be a great asset for him. He was here yesterday on his draft day visit. We were able to watch film together. I think he’ll be a great addition to the room.”

Could the Raiders pass on Fernando Mendoza?

Barring an extraordinary turn of events, it is highly unlikely the Raiders will pass on Mendoza. The franchise is desperate for a long-term solution at quarterback, and the former Indiana standout—who recently led the Hoosiers to a national championship—is widely viewed as the “missing piece” for the Silver and Black.

Holding the No. 1 overall pick gives Las Vegas total control over the draft board. While other quarterback-needy teams are undoubtedly interested in a prospect of Mendoza’s caliber, the Raiders are firmly in the driver’s seat to secure his services on April 23.

While some analysts have suggested that the Raiders could trade down to acquire a massive “haul” of picks—potentially targeting Alabama’s Ty Simpson later in the first round—the consensus among league insiders is that they will stay put.

The Raiders hold all the leverage; they can choose to draft Mendoza and pair him with Cousins, ensuring they have both a “Week 1 ready” veteran and a superstar prospect to lead the franchise into the future.

“Best jerseys in pro sports I think,” Cousins revealed via the team’s website. “I remember being in warm-ups once playing the Raiders and our head coach looked at me and said, ‘Those have to be the best jerseys that they are in pro sports.’ And I said, ‘You know what Coach, I have to agree. Those are really sharp.’”

The black and silver is undoubtedly one of the most understated and iconic uniforms in the NFL. Cousins can now enjoy it during an important stage of his career.

Cousins vs Raiders

Throughout his career, Kirk Cousins has maintained a perfect record against the Raiders, securing wins with three different franchises. He first dismantled Oakland in 2017 while leading Washington, followed by a dominant blowout victory with the Vikings two seasons later.

His most recent encounter came in late 2024 with the Falcons; however, that Monday night win in Las Vegas proved bittersweet. Despite the victory, Atlanta opted for a quarterback change the following morning, elevating Michael Penix Jr. and effectively ending Cousins’ season.

Paving the way for Mendoza

Despite being the heavy favorite to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza won’t attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The former Indiana quarterback and Heisman winner has decided to stay in Miami to celebrate the milestone privately with his family, marking a significant moment for the franchise as they prepare to officially name him their new cornerstone.

The main question for Kubiak now lies in the strategy for the upcoming season. Will Mendoza be his QB1 from Week 1 and take Cousins as his mentor? Or, on the contrary, will he rely on the veteran to lead the team through what’s ahead?

“It starts with the coaching staff,” Cousins said during a recent interview with the Raiders. “I was really excited to work with coaches I’ve worked with before in Klint Kubiak, Rick Dennison, Andrew Janocko. I had some of my best years playing with them.

“Coaching is a big deal in this league, so getting around them excited me. I think it’s a team that has a lot of young talent and they’re building something special, and I want to be a part of that.”

Reuniting with Kubiak and part of the coaching staff

Klint Kubiak worked with Kirk Cousins for three years in Minnesota—two as his quarterbacks coach and one as offensive coordinator—on a Vikings staff that also included Andrew Janocko and Rick Dennison.

“I can talk about him all I want, but my actions really show what I think of him, by being here,” Cousins said of Kubiak. “Great football mind, hard working, there’s a humility there that I deeply respect. He’s a great question-asker who wants to do what the quarterback’s comfortable with.”

What role will Cousins have in Las Vegas?

Kirk Cousins’ arrival in Las Vegas could go in two directions: he could become the team’s new starting quarterback, or serve as a mentor to Fernando Mendoza if he is eventually selected with the No. 1 pick by the Raiders.

With the draft just days away, uncertainty is beginning to build around Vegas. If the former Hoosiers quarterback ends up joining Klint Kubiak’s team, the clear plan would be to make him QB1, with Cousins serving as the experienced backup.

Building a competitive roster

Having the privilege of a high draft pick is rare. But beyond that, the Las Vegas Raiders hold 10 selections, aiming to build a roster worthy of the moment.

• Round 1: Pick 1
• Round 2: Pick 36
• Round 3: Pick 67
• Round 4: Pick 102
• Round 4: Pick 112 (from Vikings via Jaguars)
• Round 4: Pick 134 (compensatory pick)
• Round 5: Pick 175 (compensatory pick)
• Round 6: Pick 185
• Round 6: Pick 208 (from Bills via Jets)
• Round 7: Pick 219

Cousins has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving the board of potential starting quarterbacks in free agency empty. As a result, the Steelers have been left very limited in their options moving forward.

What Mike McCarthy wants is for Rodgers to return, but if the Super Bowl champion QB retires or decides to wait for another team, the consequences could be enormous for the franchise’s near future.

Steelers QB situation for 2026

If Aaron Rodgers does not return, the name that would appear to have the edge as starting quarterback for 2026 would be Will Howard. Mike McCarthy has spoken highly of the national champion with Ohio State and, in his second year in the NFL, could hand him the reins of the team in a situation that could ultimately be a win-win.

A surprise and successful season for Howard would mean the Steelers have finally found the franchise quarterback of the future and the successor to Ben Roethlisberger. A bargain for a sixth-round pick.

On the other hand, if the season is disastrous, a poor record would likely leave Pittsburgh with a top-10 pick to attack the 2027 Draft, which features one of the best QB classes of the past decades. The answer could be there.

Additionally, the Steelers’ passivity in free agency could also suggest they already have clues about what Rodgers’ decision will be. Because of that, pursuing Kirk Cousins may have never been a priority.

Minority owner Tom Brady and head coach Klint Kubiak appear to have a very clear plan. Cousins as the leader of a transition that will eventually take the franchise to the next chapter with Fernando Mendoza.

The Raiders need to respond in an AFC West that is one of the most complicated divisions in the NFL, with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers, and the Denver Broncos. Now, the rebuilding process looks hopeful.

Kirk Cousins’ message after signing with Raiders

When the news of his arrival to the Raiders went viral, Kirk Cousins shared a brief three-word message on his official X account: “The Autumn Wind…” As expected, thousands of fans saw it as something poetic to confirm the start of a new era for the veteran.

What is Raiders QB depth chart with Kirk Cousins?

Everything seems to indicate that Kirk Cousins would be QB1 on the Raiders’ depth chart heading into the preseason, serving as a mentor to Fernando Mendoza, who would be the backup. It appears to be the ideal formula for the rookie to learn from a veteran after his strong career at Indiana.

What is the Autumn Wind?

“The Autumn Wind” is the Raiders’ iconic anthem, a legendary poem introduced by NFL Films in 1974. Narrated by John Facenda and backed by Sam Spence’s dramatic score, it captures the identity of Raider Nation and has long served as the rallying cry for the team.

The move comes at a critical time for the Raiders, which hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. By signing Cousins, the Raiders secure a veteran presence who can start immediately while the rookie develops. It also gives the coaching staff flexibility if Mendoza is not ready to take the field in Week 1.

Cousins’ experience and leadership are expected to play a key role in the transition. The veteran can serve as a bridge quarterback while helping Mendoza adjust to the speed of the NFL. At the same time, Las Vegas remains competitive in the short term instead of rushing its top prospect into action.

Raiders beat multiple suitors to land Kirk Cousins

According to a report from Dianna Russini, the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, and Green Bay Packers all showed strong interest in Kirk Cousins during free agency. Despite the competitive market, the veteran ultimately chose the Raiders.

Las Vegas offered a clear path to playing time and a defined role within the offense. The franchise also presented a plan that balances immediate competitiveness with long-term development at the position. That vision helped separate the Raiders from the other interested teams.

Kirk Cousins’ contract with Raiders and QB role with Fernando Mendoza

Kirk Cousins will receive $20 million guaranteed in his Raiders contract for the 2026 season, making him one of the most notable veteran signings of this free agency cycle. The structure reflects his expected role as both a starter candidate and a mentor for the incoming rookie quarterback. It also gives the Raiders financial flexibility beyond the upcoming season.

With Fernando Mendoza projected to be selected first overall, Cousins is likely to enter training camp with the edge for the starting job. The Raiders can allow the rookie to develop at his own pace while remaining competitive with a veteran under center.

Pelissero went on to break down Cousins‘ income for playing the 2026 NFL season, detailing how the money splits between the Falcons and the Raiders:

• While the Falcons pay $8.7 million in 2026, the Raiders pay the $1.3 minimum base salary.
• Raiders hand Cousins a $10 million fully guaranteed roster bonus on the third day of the league year next March that is not subject to offsets.
• Raiders hold a two-year, $80 million option for 2027-28.
• The deal includes two void years in 2029-30 for cap purposes.

“On paper, it’s a three-year, $81.3M deal (or five for $172M with the void years). In reality, it’s one-year, $20 million for Kirk Cousins, who now will have played under fully guaranteed contracts for 11 consecutive seasons,” Pelissero wrote.

Cousins might enter 2026 season as Raiders QB1

Not only does this contract show how Cousins continues to get paid even at 37, it also proves how important the Raiders seem to consider him for the upcoming season.

Las Vegas is expected to use the first overall pick to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza later this month, but the money Cousins will make suggests the veteran QB will enter the year as the starter.

This would avoid tossing the rookie into the fire so soon, allowing Mendoza to watch and learn while an experienced quarterback like Cousins leads the Raiders’ transition.

The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and are expected to select top Indiana prospect Fernando Mendoza. Cousins’ arrival ensures he will have a mentor in the quarterback room and that, if the rookie is not ready, the former Falcons player can start in Week 1 while trying to make the team a contender.

Klint Kubiak is the new head coach in Las Vegas for the 2026 season and already worked three years with Cousins when he was QB coach and offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings. The top quarterback left on the market is no longer available.

Who will be Raiders starting QB in 2026?

Kirk Cousins would have the edge to be the Raiders’ starting quarterback in 2026, considering Fernando Mendoza may not be ready for the NFL immediately after his college football career.

Who will the Raiders draft with the No.1 overall pick?

Despite the arrival of Kirk Cousins, the Raiders are still expected to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. This way, the franchise would have everything in place for a rebuilding process, with a veteran serving as a transition bridge and Mendoza as the future.

“People make some of the connections with Kirk,” McVay said n PFT Live. “If it doesn’t work out with Jimmy, that’s definitely something that — Kirk is as influential as anybody in helping me get to L.A. in the first place.

“I know he’s got some other options and some other suitors, but Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I’d love to have back with us.”

McVay and Cousins worked together for three seasons with the then-Washington Redskins. During that time, they helped lead the team to an NFC East division title in 2015 under head coach Jay Gruden.

Stafford’s only backup

After several seasons serving as Matthew Stafford’s primary backup, Jimmy Garoppolo entered free agency, leaving his future in the league uncertain. What will Sean McVay do next to cover his star quarterback?

For now, the only player listed in the QB room ready to take the field if needed is Stetson Bennett IV. With plenty of time before the start of a new season, it would make sense for the Los Angeles Rams to add a higher-profile player to also join this roster.

Davante Adams stays with the Rams

Although the Los Angeles Rams had shown interest in A.J. Brown, that would have inevitably required a move involving Davante Adams. McVay ultimately decided to keep one of his primary receivers.

“We have discussions all the time. I wouldn’t say discussed — we really talked about some different avenues of onboarding other players and how it might affect Davante,” the head coach said.

“I’ve talked with Davante about that, and if we felt like it was best for our team, we would’ve done that. But we didn’t think it was best for our team. So, excited about being able to move forward with him.“

What will Jimmy Garoppolo do?

Garoppolo is expected to seek a deal worth roughly $3 million annually, similar to the one-year, $3.005 million contract he played under last season. Having attempted zero passes during the 2025 regular season, he will likely have to settle for a high-end backup position rather than a guaranteed QB1 slot on the open market.

A ripple effect could be heading toward Miami. With the Dolphins rumored to part ways with Tagovailoa, they must find a new signal-caller to lead the offense, and a veteran quarterback may now enter the conversation.

On Tuesday, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham revealed that the team is expected to release Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year. Since then, speculation has linked the veteran quarterback to several teams across the NFL.

Can the Dolphins pursue Kirk Cousins?

According to reports, Kirk Cousins is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. While his tenure in Atlanta was not disastrous, the Falcons’ decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 significantly altered the veteran’s outlook with the franchise.

With Tagovailoa potentially on his way out, a clear opportunity could open up for Cousins in Miami. The Dolphins appear to be entering a rebuilding phase and do not hold a high enough draft pick to comfortably target one of the top quarterback prospects, making free agency a logical path.

From a financial standpoint, Miami would likely pursue Cousins on a short-term deal, especially considering the salary-cap implications of releasing Tagovailoa. Still, signing a proven veteran could provide stability as the franchise navigates a rebuild already underway with a new general manager and head coach in place.

A discreet rebuild plan

The Dolphins finished the 2025 NFL season with a 7–10 record, placing them at No. 11 overall in the upcoming draft. That position makes it difficult to land an elite quarterback prospect without trading up.

However, a trade up the draft board seems unlikely and may not be the wisest long-term decision. For now, Miami appears to be taking a measured approach to 2026, understanding that the rebuilding process could take longer than fans would prefer.

On Saturday, reports suggested that Aaron Rodgers may not return to Pittsburgh in 2026, as the veteran quarterback is rumored to be a potential target for the Minnesota Vikings. However, the Falcons may have just complicated that scenario.

Just hours after the Rodgers news surfaced, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Atlanta is expected to release Kirk Cousins before the start of the new league year in March. That move would instantly make Cousins one of the most coveted veteran quarterbacks on the free-agent market.

A ripple effect that could impact Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers

As things stand, the Steelers remain uncertain about whether Aaron Rodgers will return for the 2026 season. Multiple teams—including the Vikings—are rumored to be interested in pursuing him. However, Cousins’ potential availability could significantly alter the quarterback landscape.

According to Dianna Russini, if Minnesota fails to land Rodgers, Kirk Cousins would emerge as a top candidate to compete with J.J. McCarthy. With news of Cousins’ expected release now public, the Vikings could quickly pivot toward a quarterback they know well from his previous tenure with the franchise.

Comparing Rodgers and Cousins is not entirely fair. Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer, while Cousins has long been viewed as a reliable but not elite option—one who doesn’t necessarily elevate a team’s Super Bowl odds on his own.

Still, one key factor could tilt the scale in Cousins’ favor: age. Rodgers will turn 43 during the 2026 season, while Cousins is set to turn 38 this year. For a team looking for a veteran presence without committing to a quarterback in his mid-40s, the younger option could be more appealing.

The Falcons face a quarterback dilemma

If Cousins does leave Atlanta this offseason, the Falcons will be left facing a major quarterback dilemma. The organization’s new regime is not fully committed to Michael Penix Jr., who has struggled to stay healthy through his first two seasons as a professional.

New head coach Kevin Stefanski may not move away from Penix Jr. immediately. However, expectations are high following Stefanski’s arrival, and patience may be limited for the former Washington standout. As a result, Atlanta could explore adding another quarterback sooner rather than later.