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?

At that time, the ceremony was held in Cleveland, and Lawrence chose to experience it in a more intimate setting, with his family and close ones in Clemson. The Jaguars were ultimately the team that selected him.

Mendoza seems to be taking the same path as his counterpart. He decided to enjoy this moment in Miami, as reported by journalist Adam Schefter, instead of traveling to Pittsburgh.

Other major absences in the Draft

While many top prospects enjoy the spotlight on stage, several elite quarterbacks have notably skipped the NFL Draft ceremony. Andrew Luck declined his 2012 invitation to focus on his final exams at Stanford.

Additionally, Joe Burrow received the news of his first-overall selection from his childhood home in Ohio, due to the pandemic.

When and where will the Draft be?

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23 to April 25 in Pittsburgh. The city is preparing to host the event across the North Shore and Point State Park, marking the first time the Steel City has welcomed the league’s premier offseason event. With the draft less than three weeks away, fans are eager to see where the next generation of stars will land.

First 10 picks

• 1 – Las Vegas Raiders
• 2 – New York Jets
• 3 – Arizona Cardinals
• 4 – Tennessee Titans
• 5 – New York Giants
• 6 – Cleveland Browns
• 7 – Washington Commanders
• 8 – New Orleans Saints
• 9 – Kansas City Chiefs
• 10 – Cincinnati Bengals

“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

During Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1, Mendoza was the focal point for scouts from all 32 NFL teams. After resting in the NFL Combine, Mendoza threw 56 passes—completing 53 of them—to ensure his teammates had every opportunity to showcase their own skills in front of professional evaluators.

Mendoza made it clear that his objective wasn’t just to highlight his own arm talent; he was focused on elevating those around him. This “team-first” philosophy draws direct parallels to Tom Brady, who famously prioritized roster depth and collective success over individual accolades and maximum contract figures.

“I feel like it went great,” Fernando Mendoza said, via the Associated Press. “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.”

Fernando Mendoza is exactly what the Raiders need

For many analysts, Mendoza is a generational talent, and it seems increasingly likely that Las Vegas will use the first overall pick to secure him. The franchise is eager for stability at the quarterback position following the “Geno Smith experiment” in 2025, which saw the veteran struggle with a league-high 17 interceptions before being released.

Mendoza’s intangibles appear to set him apart from other prospects. By utilizing his Pro Day to help his fellow Hoosiers shine, he proved that group success is his primary motivator.

This echoes the “Brady Blueprint,” where the seven-time Super Bowl champion famously took team-friendly deals to ensure the front office could build a championship-caliber roster, exactly what the Raiders need.

Will the Kirk Cousins signing block Mendoza’s path?

The Raiders’ recent signing of Kirk Cousins is not expected to deter the club from drafting Mendoza. While Cousins signed what appears to be a large five-year deal, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports it is effectively a one-year, $20 million commitment for the 2026 season.

Rather than a roadblock, Cousins is viewed as a vital bridge. The Raiders intend to draft Mendoza at No. 1 overall and utilize Cousins’ veteran experience to mentor the Heisman winner during his transition to the NFL. With Mendoza already reportedly studying Klint Kubiak’s playbook, the stage is set for a new era in Las Vegas.

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.

According to Ian Rapoport, Harris is meeting with the Raiders next Thursday. Harris played for the Los Angeles Chargers last season, though his season was cut short after suffering an Achilles tear just three games into the year.

Prior to that, Harris surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in all of his four first years in the NFL. However, his stock plummeted and after this injury, he is not seen as an RB1. However, he could be a perfect RB2 below Ashton Jeanty.

Jeanty had an underwhelming rookie season… though it wasn’t his fault

Jeanty had a historic college career. However, he had 975 yards and five touchdowns on 3.7 yards per attempt. While underwhelming, he had no help whatsoever. Not in the playcalling, not in the offensive line, he was trying to make ends meet all by himself.

Jeanty is a speedy, powerful runner. Meanwhile, Harris is strong-yet-shifty, with much more calculus than raw speed. Kubiak said a month ago, “We definitely want a two-man show [at RB]… it’s a long season.” Jeanty and Harris could be a deadly duo.

It could also be great for Harris

Najee is recovering from an Achilles, he can’t be a workhorse anymore. Having Jeanty as a teammate will allow him to shine but not overwork in his return. Kubiak is also a great playcaller who will put him in the right spots and situations.

In a video posted by the Raiders, Spytek said “My relationship with Maxx since I’ve gotten here has been great… Things have a way of going a certain way and working out the way they’re supposed to, and we welcome him like he never left.”

While the Raiders aren’t married to the idea of keeping Crosby, the only way they would trade him is if a good enough offer arrives. If not, they are more than happy to keep one of the best past-rushers in the NFL.

Crosby is still recovering from a knee injury

The whole ‘Crosby-to-Baltimore‘ move got canceled because Crosby didn’t pass a medical test. That’s because he is recovering from a knee surgery. Per Spytek, Crosby will be more than ready for when the season comes.

“Excited to see him work hard and attack the rehab and I know he’s going to be back ready to rock in August this year and have many good years ahead of him,” Spytek said. Crosby had 10 sacks and 73 combined tackles, alongside one interception.

The Raiders are trying to build something special

The Raiders have been going in a downward spiral for a while now. However, with all the moves they are doing this offseason, they are trying to turn the tables and go all in. First, the arrival of Klint Kubiak as new head coach. Soon in the NFL Draft, they’ll pick their quarterback in Fernando Mendoza.

They will recover Crosby. Also, the Raiders still have young, talented pieces like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. Many more things are yet to come. They’ve also been rebuilding their offensive line. Hence, the Raiders want to be taken seriously.