Kirk Cousins Could Impact Fernando Mendoza's NFL Future

The veteran QB could be a stopgap option for the Raiders as they develop their rookie QB.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:19pm

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Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was released by the Atlanta Falcons at the start of the NFL league year, and the Las Vegas Raiders could be a potential landing spot for him. Cousins could serve as a mentor and stopgap option for the Raiders as they develop their expected first-round pick, Fernando Mendoza, without rushing him into the starting role as a rookie.

Why it matters

Cousins' signing could have a significant impact on the Raiders' quarterback situation and the development of their highly touted rookie Mendoza. As a veteran with experience in similar offensive systems, Cousins could provide stability and guidance for the young QB while also giving the Raiders a proven option to start in the meantime.

The details

The Falcons released Cousins after restructuring his contract, which would have paid him $67.9 million for the 2027 season. Despite his experience, Cousins struggled to find a new team in free agency as many teams prioritized signing younger quarterbacks. The Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick, are expected to select Mendoza but may not want to rush him into the starting role as a rookie. Signing Cousins could allow the Raiders to bring Mendoza along slowly while still fielding a competitive team in the short term.

  • The Falcons released Cousins at the start of the 2026 NFL league year on March 13.
  • Cousins started 8 games for the Falcons in the 2025 season, going 5-3 as the starter.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran NFL quarterback who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons after restructuring his contract.

Fernando Mendoza

The expected first-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft, who the team may not want to rush into the starting role as a rookie.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who could benefit from having a veteran quarterback like Cousins who is familiar with his offensive system.

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What they’re saying

“He's a veteran guy who has seen a lot and can be a solid mentor to the expected No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders' front office has also made it clear that they're not sold on making Mendoza the Day 1 starter as a rookie.”

— Saad Yousuf, Reporter

What’s next

The Raiders will need to decide in the coming weeks whether to sign Cousins as a veteran stopgap option or move forward with Mendoza as their likely Day 1 starter.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between developing young talent and fielding a competitive roster in the short term. Cousins' potential signing could provide the Raiders with an experienced quarterback to mentor Mendoza and allow the rookie time to develop, while also giving the team a proven option to start in 2026.