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Kirk Cousins Indirectly Warned Likely No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza Before Joining Raiders
The veteran QB discussed the benefits of sitting a talented rookie quarterback to develop.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:20pm
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A cubist interpretation of a quarterback's decision-making process, as veteran Kirk Cousins shares his perspective on developing young passers.NYC TodayBefore signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, quarterback Kirk Cousins indirectly warned likely No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza about the benefits of sitting and developing as a rookie. Cousins discussed how top quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Carson Palmer sat for a period of time before taking over as starters, noting that it can yield more long-term success than immediately throwing a talented rookie into the fire.
Why it matters
Cousins' comments provide insight into the Raiders' potential plans for handling Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana, if he is indeed selected first overall. The Raiders signed Cousins to a lucrative five-year deal, suggesting they view him as their immediate starter, which could mean Mendoza would have the opportunity to learn behind the veteran before taking over the offense.
The details
In a podcast interview, Cousins discussed how some top quarterbacks like Rodgers and Palmer sat for a period of time before becoming starters, noting that this approach can lead to more long-term success than immediately throwing a talented rookie into the starting role. Cousins specifically mentioned Sam Darnold as an example of a high draft pick who struggled early on with his first team but found success elsewhere. The veteran QB emphasized the importance of minimizing the 'thinking' for a young quarterback and allowing them to develop in the background, rather than immediately asking them to 'rewire their brain' and perform at a high level.
- On Thursday, Kirk Cousins signed a five-year, $172 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
- The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23.
The players
Kirk Cousins
A 14-year veteran quarterback who recently signed a five-year, $172 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fernando Mendoza
The likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion quarterback from Indiana University.
Sam Darnold
A former high draft pick quarterback who struggled with the New York Jets but found success after being traded to another team.
What they’re saying
“Well, I do think that there was a time when Aaron Rodgers got drafted and sat for three years. Carson Palmer got drafted and sat for a year. There have been teams that have said that was the plan, and then Week 4, 5, 6, the guys playing.”
— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
“But the young guys you wanna give as much continuity as you can and just hasn't been the environment many guys, including a Sam Darnold, have been given, when you're asking a talented player to kind of rewire his brain and do something different, he's not gonna be the same talented player because he's gonna be a step slower and he's gonna be learning and thinking again.”
— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
“You wanna take that thinking out of it. The more you can be a Tom Brady or a Drew Brees, who's been in the same system for 15 years, the better quarterback play you're gonna get.”
— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
What’s next
The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23, where the Las Vegas Raiders will have the opportunity to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. It remains to be seen if the Raiders will follow Cousins' advice and allow Mendoza to sit and develop behind the veteran quarterback.
The takeaway
Kirk Cousins' comments provide insight into the Raiders' potential plans for handling their likely No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. By emphasizing the benefits of allowing a talented rookie quarterback to sit and develop, rather than immediately throwing them into the starting role, Cousins has indirectly warned Mendoza about the challenges of being a high draft pick and the importance of patience in finding long-term success.
