Raiders Sign Veteran QB Cousins to Aid Rookie Mendoza

Experienced passer joins Las Vegas to mentor top draft pick at QB

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:41am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a football game or practice, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a cubist style, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Raiders' new veteran-rookie quarterback pairing of Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza will be a key focus as the team builds for the future.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a contract, his agent Mike McCartney announced on Thursday. The move is expected to help ease the transition for the team's anticipated selection of Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, providing an experienced mentor for the young quarterback.

Why it matters

The Raiders are looking to build around a promising young quarterback in Mendoza, and bringing in a veteran like Cousins gives them an experienced passer who can help guide the rookie's development. This move signals the team's commitment to Mendoza as their long-term answer at the position.

The details

Cousins, a 12-year NFL veteran, will join the Raiders after spending the last four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He brings a wealth of experience and stability to the quarterback position, having started at least 15 games in each of the last nine seasons. The Raiders are hoping Cousins can provide valuable guidance to Mendoza as the young QB adjusts to the professional game.

  • Cousins' agent Mike McCartney announced the deal on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 12-year NFL veteran quarterback who has spent the last four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

Fernando Mendoza

The top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick.

Mike McCartney

The agent for quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Las Vegas Raiders

The NFL team that has signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and is expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add a veteran presence like Kirk to our quarterback room. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we develop Fernando into our long-term starter.”

— Mike Mayock, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

The Raiders will officially select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Cousins will begin working with the young quarterback to prepare him for his rookie season.

The takeaway

The Raiders' decision to sign veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins signals their commitment to building around a promising young talent in Fernando Mendoza. Cousins' experience and mentorship will be crucial in helping the rookie transition to the NFL and develop into the team's long-term starter.