Raiders’ new QB Kirk Cousins says what needs to be said about the situation he’s about to be in with Fernando Mendoza

By [Staff Writer]

HENDERSON, Nev. — Kirk Cousins has never been shy about speaking his mind, and the veteran quarterback’s first public comments since agreeing to join the Las Vegas Raiders made one thing unmistakably clear: he understands exactly why he’s here.

“I don’t want to start unless I’m the best option,” Cousins told NFL Network in a candid interview that aired Thursday night. “The best players should play. As long as that’s the case, I have no qualms with however it plays out.”

The Raiders signed Cousins to be the bridge to yet-to-be-drafted rookie Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana product whom the organization views as its long-term franchise quarterback. Cousins, 37, embraced that reality almost immediately after walking through the team facility doors.

“I think Fernando will be a great addition to our team,” Cousins said. “I think he’s going to have a great future in the league. I have no problem being a voice in the room to help him to the degree that I can.”

The pairing appears seamless on paper. Both quarterbacks share similar pocket-passing styles, meticulous preparation habits, and even overlapping spiritual beliefs. Raiders coaches have privately likened the dynamic to the Alex Smith–Patrick Mahomes relationship in Kansas City, with Cousins cast as the steadying influence while Mendoza acclimates to the NFL.

Cousins took the comparison in stride.

“He was here yesterday on the draft-day visit,” Cousins said. “We were able to watch film together. I was even telling him how much success he had throwing back-shoulder passes at IU, and I’d like to learn a little from him on how to throw a good back-shoulder. We’ll all be helping each other.”

Despite limited action in 2025—10 games and 284 dropbacks while serving as Atlanta’s injury replacement—Cousins’ efficiency numbers still pop. Among quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts last season, he ranked seventh in Catchable Ball Percentage (89.5 percent) and sixth in On Target Percentage (78.1 percent), according to Sports Info Solutions. Those metrics underscore why Las Vegas believes the veteran can still produce if called upon.

Cousins’ familiarity with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak—dating back to their shared 2023 season in Minnesota—should accelerate the learning curve. The Raiders now possess both the seasoned signal-caller they coveted and the mentor they believe can accelerate Mendoza’s development without bruised egos.

“I do think Fernando is going to be a great addition to our team,” Cousins reiterated. “He’s gonna have great support all around—from the coaching staff, from the locker room, and from me.”

In a league where quarterback transitions often turn messy, Las Vegas’ plan sounds refreshingly straightforward: let the best man play, and let the veteran guide the way until that moment arrives.