Kirk Cousins Poised to Lead Raiders as Tom Brady Influences Key Decision
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders seem set to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, and new quarterback Kirk Cousins appears ready to embrace the challenge. In his first day with the team, Cousins praised Mendoza, stating he will be a "great addition" to the QB room after they watched film together during Mendoza's draft visit. With Mendoza joining the roster, the Raiders face a pivotal decision: should they start the seasoned Cousins or thrust the rookie into action right away? The odds favor Cousins, who is determined to earn the starting role. He expressed, "I honestly don't want to start unless I'm the best option," emphasizing his commitment to competition. Cousins, a 14-year veteran, brings invaluable experience that could outmatch a rookie's learning curve. Having worked under coach Klint Kubiak in Minnesota, Cousins is familiar with the offensive system, which strengthens his case for starting. Kubiak hinted at a preference for a veteran to lead, stating, "Ideally, you don't want Mendoza to start from Day 1." Should Cousins start, he is also open to mentoring Mendoza, believing it would benefit the rookie's development. He mentioned traits like timing and accuracy that he aims to instill in Mendoza as he transitions into the NFL. Adding to the intrigue, Tom Brady, the Raiders' minority owner, played a crucial role in Cousins’ decision to join Las Vegas. After a challenging stint in Atlanta, Cousins sought clarity and reassurance, which he received during a FaceTime call with Brady. "That was a really life-giving call with Tom," Cousins reflected, indicating that Brady's insights significantly influenced his choice to sign with the Raiders. Cousins, earning $20 million this season, is poised to be the starting quarterback, at least for the immediate future, while Mendoza prepares to take the reins down the line.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-09