Raiders’ Cousins secures one-year deal, vows to compete for starting role
Cousins insists he will not step aside unless the rookie proves superior, setting up a structured transition for the 2026 season.
The Las Vegas Raiders have finalised the signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a one-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $11.3 million for the 2026 season. The agreement, executed in April, positions Cousins as a mentor to Fernando Mendoza, the team’s first overall draft pick, while explicitly retaining Cousins’ right to compete for the starting position.
Cousins, a 38-year-old with 14 years of NFL experience, stated he has no intention of yielding the role immediately. He emphasised to head coach Klint Kubiak that the best player should play, indicating he will only step aside if Mendoza demonstrates he is the superior option during training camp. The dynamic was framed as a partnership, with Cousins offering guidance on habits and routines to assist the rookie’s development.
Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, enters the league as the fourth player in the common draft era to win both the Heisman and a national championship in his final collegiate season. He led college football in passing touchdowns and total touchdowns while guiding the Indiana Hoosiers to their first football national championship. His transition to the NFL is expected to be managed carefully, given the increased pace of the professional game.
Analysts suggest Mendoza’s first start may occur in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints, a move designed to allow time for acclimatisation. Alternative windows for his debut include Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins or Week 8 against the New York Jets. These opponents are viewed as favourable matchups due to their rebuilding status and defensive inexperience, providing a controlled environment for the rookie’s introduction.
Mendoza holds the second-best odds for the 2026 Offensive Rookie of the Year award, trailing only Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. To support his rookie campaign, the Raiders invested $305.6 million in free agency, the second-highest total in the NFL. This included securing three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum on a three-year, $81 million contract, alongside running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.
