Kirk Cousins answers one of the most important questions regarding him in 2026, and it has nothing to do with Fernando Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders are happy to have Kirk Cousins healthy for the 2026 season. This comes as great news, just two years after tearing his Achilles.
The Las Vegas Raiders needed to go out and grab a veteran quarterback to help mentor Fernando Mendoza. The future rookie quarterback now has a guy who’s been there, done that. They got the perfect guy for the job in Kirk Cousins.
Raiders get perfect answer to question surrounding Kirk Cousins
There were questions about signing a soon-to-be 38-year-old QB who’s torn his Achilles. Is Cousins going to be able to lead as a starting QB and play a high level of football? How does he feel where he’s at right now in his career?
“Yeah, I think time has helped,” Cousins told reporters on Wednesday. “I think getting to play at the end of this past season also helped get my confidence back, to be able to get out there and kind of realize your body’s good to go and feeling good.
“The offseason always helps, to have that time away from football to kind of let things rest and heal, and then I’ve been very impressed just even in the last three days meeting with the Raiders performance staff, some talented people there that I also think will do a great job with a 37-year-old, soon-to-be 38-year-old. I think they’ll put together a great plan for me to make sure that I’m feeling my best.”
Their next franchise quarterback can now learn from a veteran who shares a similar style and personality. And that’s important. If Cousins wasn’t able to go this year, or just didn’t feel good about himself or his body, then Mendoza wouldn’t be getting the full or best experience. Not only that, but Cousins’ feeling good with where his body and mind are means the Raiders have a chance to learn how to win.
Cousins, even after starting as a backup in Atlanta in 2025 and playing 10 games, performed well in advanced metrics. For instance, he posted an 89.5% Catchable Ball Percentage (seventh-best among players with 100+ attempts) and a 78.1% On Target Percentage (sixth-best), demonstrating strong accuracy.
Cousins is still an accurate thrower. However, now success depends on fitting within the right system, calling the right plays, and having strong support. His familiarity with Kubiak from their time in Minnesota in 2023 helps ensure a smooth transition. Ultimately, the Raiders got the two quarterbacks they wanted, and Cousins has shown he’s committed to helping Mendoza.
