Raiders Add Veteran QB Cousins, Leaving O'Connell's Future Uncertain

The Raiders' signing of Kirk Cousins could spell the end of Aidan O'Connell's time in Las Vegas.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of silver, black, and other vibrant colors representing the Raiders' uniforms and the dynamic nature of the quarterback position.The Raiders' quarterback shakeup leaves Aidan O'Connell's future in Las Vegas uncertain.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, adding him to their roster alongside 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell. This move likely signals the end of O'Connell's tenure with the team, as the Raiders are also expected to use the No. 1 overall pick on quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Raiders' decision to bring in Cousins and target Mendoza with the top pick suggests they have lost faith in O'Connell as their long-term solution at quarterback. This could leave the young QB as the odd man out, with the Raiders potentially looking to trade or release him in the near future.

The details

Prior to the Cousins signing, O'Connell was the only quarterback on the Raiders' roster. He started 10 games as a rookie in 2023 and seven games in 2024, but the team decided against starting him at all last season. While O'Connell has shown some promise, throwing 20 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in his career, the Raiders have not been willing to fully commit to him as their starter.

  • The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins in April 2026.
  • The Raiders are expected to use the No. 1 overall pick on quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran NFL quarterback who the Raiders have signed to join their roster.

Aidan O'Connell

A fourth-round pick by the Raiders in 2023 who has started 17 games over the past two seasons, but now faces an uncertain future with the team.

Fernando Mendoza

A highly touted quarterback prospect who the Raiders are expected to select with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“'Quarterback Fernando Mendoza dazzled the Las Vegas Raiders' contingent of decision-makers Wednesday during Indiana's pro day inside the John Mellencamp Pavilion, as the Heisman Trophy winner continued to pad his lead in the race to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.'”

— Jeff Howe, Reporter

What’s next

The Raiders will likely look to trade or release Aidan O'Connell in the coming weeks or months, as they move forward with Kirk Cousins and the expected selection of Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.

The takeaway

The Raiders' decision to sign veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and target Fernando Mendoza with the top draft pick signals a clear lack of faith in Aidan O'Connell as their long-term solution at the position. This could spell the end of O'Connell's time in Las Vegas, as the team looks to move in a new direction at the quarterback position.