Raiders continue to be linked with 4-time Pro Bowl QB

The worst-kept secret in the NFL Draft is what the Las Vegas Raiders will do at No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, the pick everyone thinks they will make.

But the selection forces the Raiders to consider many things regarding Fernando's rookie season.

With the biggest one being, who is his backup? It can't be a young quarterback; it needs to be a sturdy veteran who can help teach him the ropes as he navigates his rookie season.

And one name that everyone keeps coming back to, and Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport as well, and that's Kirk Cousins.

"Kirk Cousins wasn't great in 10 games (and eight starts) for the Atlanta Falcons," Davenport wrote. "But he is a four-time Pro Bowler with 167 career starts in the NFL under his belt. Whether it's as a veteran stopgap or a mentor for Mendoza, it makes sense to bring in the 37-year-old."

More: Analyst urges Chiefs to sign All-Pro WR for Patrick Mahomes

Is Cousins a realistic option?

Well, the big thing that has to be asked is, does Cousins want to start or is he content with biding his time as a backup?

After all, free agency is well underway, and Cousins has yet to be signed by another team.

That tells you a lot right there.

So, the Raiders could give Cousins an option to get back into the swing of things and play the role of mentor for their young star.

On paper, it seems perfect, but will Cousins want to play that role? 

More NFL news:

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• 49ers maintain hard stance on star WR
• Giants open to bringing back Super Bowl-winning WR
• Rams' Sean McVay makes startling QB revelation
• Eagles still coy on A.J. Brown's future
• Ravens urged to sign key free agent for Lamar Jackson