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Raiders Sign Veteran QB Kirk Cousins to Mentor Top Draft Pick
GM John Spytek believes Cousins' experience will help young QB Fernando Mendoza develop under new coach Klint Kubiak.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:24pm
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The Raiders' signing of veteran QB Kirk Cousins aims to provide stability and guidance as the team develops its future franchise quarterback.Las Vegas TodayThe Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a two-year deal, with the intention of having him mentor the team's likely first overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza. General Manager John Spytek cited Cousins' experience, leadership, and familiarity with the new offensive system as key factors in the signing, noting that his presence will help the coaching staff 'sleep a little better at night' as Mendoza transitions to the NFL.
Why it matters
The Raiders are in a critical transition period, with a new head coach in Klint Kubiak and the expected selection of a young franchise quarterback in Mendoza. Bringing in an experienced veteran like Cousins to guide the offense and support the development of the top draft pick is a strategic move to help ensure a smooth transition and give the team's young talent the best chance to succeed.
The details
Cousins, who spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons, will provide a steadying presence in the quarterback room and help establish Kubiak's offensive system. The Raiders are highly likely to select Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, and they want to ensure he is ready to take over the starting job without being rushed into action before he is fully prepared.
- The Raiders signed Cousins to a two-year deal on April 15, 2026.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next week, where the Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick.
The players
Kirk Cousins
A veteran NFL quarterback who has played for several teams, including the Falcons last season, and is known for his experience, leadership, and familiarity with complex offensive systems.
Fernando Mendoza
The expected first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who the Raiders hope to develop into their franchise quarterback under the guidance of Cousins and the new coaching staff.
Klint Kubiak
The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who is tasked with implementing a new offensive system and overseeing the development of the team's young talent, including Mendoza.
John Spytek
The General Manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who emphasized the importance of Cousins' experience and leadership in helping the team's young players, especially the incoming first overall draft pick.
Aidan O'Connell
A quarterback on the Raiders' roster who is expected to compete for playing time alongside Mendoza, and will benefit from Cousins' mentorship and experience in the new offensive system.
What they’re saying
“Well, he's played really good football in this league for a long time, and he went through, obviously, a challenging time early in his career, ends up in the same draft class as the second overall pick, and somehow he comes out of that on top. He's been able to do what he's done at different stops along the way. There's a high level of maturity there.”
— John Spytek, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders
“There's an understanding of Klint's offense that I think will help Aidan [O'Connell] and any other quarterbacks that join the group. He's won, he's hard working, he's detailed, he's smart, he's been a great teammate places he's been. … Just anytime you have a veteran quarterback in a room that's played at a high level that you believe can still play well and play at a high level, I think that helps everybody — especially the coaching staff will sleep a little better at night.”
— John Spytek, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders
“Fernando will be a great addition to the room, and I'm willing to support him to the degree that I can.”
— Kirk Cousins
What’s next
The Raiders will continue to work with Cousins and Mendoza throughout the offseason to ensure a smooth transition and integration of the new quarterback into the team's offensive system. The coaching staff will also monitor Mendoza's development closely to determine the appropriate timeline for him to take over as the starting quarterback.
The takeaway
The Raiders' signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins represents a strategic move to provide stability and leadership in the quarterback room as the team transitions to a new head coach and prepares to draft a potential franchise quarterback. Cousins' experience and mentorship will be invaluable in helping the young Mendoza develop and succeed in the NFL.
