HENDERSON, Nev. — Kirk Cousins knows exactly what he signed up for in Las Vegas. Unlike his previous situation with the Atlanta Falcons, where he felt blindsided by the team drafting a quarterback shortly after signing him, Cousins enters his new chapter with the Las Vegas Raiders fully aware of what’s coming next.
That future likely includes No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Cousins isn’t running from competition he’s embracing it. “If that’s not me, I don’t want to be out there,” Cousins said. “The best player needs to play.”
It’s a refreshing tone from a veteran quarterback entering what could be a transitional situation, especially with Mendoza widely expected to be the face of the franchise moving forward.
A Veteran Mentor for a Rising Star
Cousins had the chance to meet Mendoza during the rookie’s visit to the facility and came away impressed. “At his stage, he’s much ahead of me,” Cousins said.
Mendoza, coming off a Heisman-winning season and national championship run with the Indiana Hoosiers football, is expected to be the long-term answer in Las Vegas. But head coach Klint Kubiak is taking a patient approach. The plan: let Mendoza learn behind a proven veteran before handing him the keys.
Why the Raiders Brought in Cousins
The Raiders signed Cousins to provide:
- Leadership in the locker room
- Stability at quarterback
- A bridge to Mendoza’s development
The financial commitment reflects that role:
- $20 million guaranteed in 2026
- Potential deal worth up to $172 million over five years
- Additional bonuses and team options built in
Cousins joins a quarterback room that also includes Aidan O’Connell.
Reuniting with Familiar Faces
One of the biggest reasons Cousins chose Las Vegas? Familiarity. He reunites with Kubiak, whom he worked with during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. “I think highly of his system… the way they marry the run and pass,” Cousins said.
Still, the transition hasn’t been effortless. “I need to learn this like I’m a rookie,” Cousins admitted. The Raiders’ evolving offensive system has forced the veteran to adapt something he sees as a positive.Las
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
