Kirk Cousins to Raiders: Ideal Mentor for Mendoza

0:00For NFL coverage, this is your March 19th update. The Atlanta Falcons released quarterback Kurt Cousins after two seasons using a post-June first designation. Cousins has made it clear he wants to keep playing in 2026. Now, one NFL writer thinks he would be an ideal addition for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders hold the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. League Insiders expect them to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Adding Cousins could give the rookiest smooth transition. Mendoza shares a playing style much like Cousins, making the veteran a smart mentor. In Atlanta, Cousins went 12 and 10 as a starter. He started strong in 2024 at 6 and 3, before a shoulder injury slowed him down, leading to a benching late in the year. In 2025, Cousins backed up Michael Pennex Jr and stepped in after an injury, hoping Spark of 4-game winning streak to close the season. The release stemmed more from his 4-year contract, worth $180 million with $100 million guaranteed than his play.

1:04This setup could benefit the Raiders by providing locker room experience and a short-term starter. It offers a proven path for developing a young quarterback into a franchise leader. The Daily News Now is presented by a sponsor, a pillow that sounds as good as it feels, built for listening and bed, SOLISOLYPILLOW.com