Raiders Predicted to Sign Pro Bowl Backup QB to Mentor Rookie Starter

Las Vegas reportedly expected to pursue veteran Kirk Cousins to back up presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:06pm

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The Las Vegas Raiders are predicted to sign former Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency to serve as a veteran backup and mentor to presumptive No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. New head coach Klint Kubiak is said to favor Cousins' experience in a similar offensive system, which could help accelerate Mendoza's development as the team's future franchise QB.

Why it matters

The Raiders are looking to build a strong supporting cast around their rookie quarterback Mendoza, who they are expected to select with the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Signing an experienced veteran like Cousins to back him up and provide guidance could be crucial for Mendoza's early success and the Raiders' hopes of competing in the AFC West.

The details

According to reports, the Raiders are expected to show interest in signing Cousins, who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons. Cousins would provide an ideal mentor for Mendoza, given his wealth of NFL experience and familiarity with the wide-zone offensive system that new head coach Klint Kubiak plans to implement. While Cousins' projected one-year, $10.7 million contract demand may be too high, the Raiders have the salary cap space to make it work if they see him as the right fit.

  • The Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Klint Kubiak was recently hired as the new head coach of the Raiders.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who the Raiders are expected to select as their new franchise quarterback.

Kirk Cousins

A former Pro Bowl quarterback who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons and is now a free agent, looking for a new team to serve as a veteran backup and mentor.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who is looking to build a strong supporting cast around his rookie quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“Expect the Las Vegas Raiders to show interest in Kirk Cousins as they look for a veteran QB addition to help develop presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.”

— Dianna Russini, Reporter

“The Raiders are universally projected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall. New head coach Klint Kubiak operates a wide-zone system that Cousins previously mastered, making him the perfect mentor to accelerate Mendoza's development.”

— Paul Connor, Writer

What’s next

The Raiders will need to determine if Cousins' contract demands fit within their salary cap and if he is the right veteran presence to help guide their rookie quarterback Mendoza.

The takeaway

The Raiders are taking a proactive approach to building a strong supporting cast around their presumptive future franchise quarterback Mendoza, recognizing the value of having an experienced veteran backup like Cousins to provide guidance and mentorship during the early stages of his career.