Raiders QB Kirk Cousins made sure to make one important detail very clear regarding his role in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Raiders got the perfect guy for a job that not everyone can do. Kirk Cousins will be a great in a mentoring role for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
On Wednesday, new Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins made headlines in his first media appearance, emphasizing he’s only interested in playing if he’s truly the best man for the job.
“Yeah, I think we all want to play, but I made this clear to Klint [Kubiak] that the best player needs to play,” Cousins told reporters. “If that’s not me, I don’t want to be out there. I don’t think that’s the best thing for the team. If I am the best option, then I believe it’s important that those guys are out there. But I’m excited to get the chance to lead and help influence in the locker room and do my part, do my role, and just, most importantly, help our team win.”
Raiders have plans for Cousins to be the guy, but both sides know what the main goal is
Bringing in Cousins was a move the Raiders made with future rookie QB Fernando Mendoza in mind. They want their next franchise quarterback to learn from a veteran who has a similar style and personality.
Let’s keep it real, though. There is still a chance Mendoza could take over as the starting quarterback in 2026, depending on his development. In fact, if Mendoza impresses in training camp, he might even earn playing time sooner. Remember, part of the reason Mendoza is being drafted so high is that he’s very good at football. If Mendoza becomes the starter, it’s clear that Cousins understands the main goal of developing the team’s future. If not, and Cousins remains the starter, he can most definitely win them some football games.
Currently, the Raiders have both a proven veteran in Cousins and a promising rookie. 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 remains accurate; now it’s about being in the right system, calling the right plays, and having strong support. He already knows Kubiak from their time in Minnesota in 2023, which ensures familiarity. The Raiders got the two QBs they wanted, and Cousins has shown he’s committed to helping Mendoza.
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