Kirk Cousins comparison to Fernando Mendoza leads to Raiders free agent rumor

Kirk Cousins continues to be linked to the Las Vegas Raiders as a potential free agent signing.

The rumors don't normally compare Cousins to Fernando Mendoza, though. This one does, connecting the soon-to-be No. 1 overall pick from Indiana to the veteran NFL quarterback.

NFL.com's Nick Shook made the comp as part of a new article on Thursday. The premise was to find the best fits for some of the remaining free agents, and he decided Cousins fits best with the Raiders.

Then he went a step further in his write-up and compared Cousins to Mendoza.

"Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is expected to head to Las Vegas with the No. 1 overall pick in April," Shook writes. "Of all currently active NFL quarterbacks, I can't possibly think of a better comparison for Mendoza than Cousins, who happens to be available for hire."

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Cousins went to the Falcons a few years ago on a big contract to be the starter, but he since proved he could hold down the backup role behind Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons released Cousins this offseason, and the Raiders still need another QB after trading away Geno Smith.

"Cousins proved he can handle the veteran backup role and perform well," Shook writes. "He'd supply Mendoza with a wise teammate and proper mentor who can help him navigate the rigors of the NFL, and if Mendoza isn't ready to start right away, Cousins can fill that job for the time being, too. It makes too much sense to not happen."

Other backup QB possibilities have begun to be signed, but not Cousins. It certainly is shaping up for him to join Mendoza in Vegas to try and mentor the presumed top pick.

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