The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a new era after hiring Klint Kubiak as their head coach. The move comes after Pete Carroll oversaw a disastrous 3-14 campaign that eventually led to his dismissal after just one season with the team.
Las Vegas has also moved on from last year’s starting quarterback, Geno Smith, trading him along with a 2026 seventh-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 sixth-rounder. With the No. 1 overall pick in hand, the Raiders are now widely expected to select Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and groom him into their franchise quarterback.
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That said, the current quarterback room is thin, with Aidan O’Connell as the only option on the roster. As a result, the Raiders are expected to pursue a veteran presence who can both start early and mentor Mendoza during his transition to the NFL.
Kirk Cousins scrambles against the Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
According to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, that veteran should be Kirk Cousins.
“Just because Mendoza is the future under center in Sin City doesn’t mean he should be the present. And with Aidan O’Connell the only QB currently on the roster, the Raiders need a bridge starter who can hold down the fort until Mendoza is ready to take over the offense,” Davenport wrote
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“Kirk Cousins wasn’t great in 10 games (and eight starts) for the Atlanta Falcons. He completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. But he is a four-time Pro Bowler with 167 career starts in the NFL under his belt.
“Whether it’s as a veteran stopgap or a mentor for Mendoza, it makes sense to bring in the 37-year-old.”
While Cousins’ 2025 numbers were underwhelming, his 96.8 career passer rating speaks for itself. Across 14 seasons, he has thrown for 44,700 yards, 298 touchdowns, and 131 interceptions, offering the kind of experience Las Vegas currently lacks.
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Cousins was playing on a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons, but his market value has significantly dropped since his release. Spotrac projects him to command around $10 million on a one-year deal this offseason, a price point the Raiders can comfortably manage.
If signed, Cousins could serve as a short-term starter while helping Mendoza acclimate to Kubiak’s system, before eventually handing over the reins once the rookie is ready, potentially somewhere in October.
Related: Raiders Make QB Decision Ahead of NFL Draft
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.