Raiders predicted to sign former $180 million 4-time Pro Bowler in free agency

The Las Vegas Raiders are prepared to turn the page to a new chapter at quarterback.

The Raiders recently traded Geno Smith to the New York Jets, which fully clears the way for Fernando Mendoza to become the franchise's new quarterback.

While that's settled, the player backing up Mendoza is not.

It's possible the Raiders will opt to stick with Aidan O'Connell, but he didn't offer much the last time we saw the veteran on the field and Las Vegas should, at the very least, want to bring in more competition.

One potential option for Las Vegas will be former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has been predicted to land with the Raiders by YardBarker's Colton Edwards.

Here's Edwards' thoughts on Cousins:

Cousins became available after the Falcons officially released him at the start of the new league year, delaying his entry into a quarterback market that was already cooling off following moves like Kyler Murray's one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

His experience and leadership ability make him a reliable option for rebuilding teams, though his age and injury history have tempered demand for a long-term starting role.

Likely Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders

Cousins had his $180 million contract restructured earlier in the offseason, which set the stage for his eventual release, which has since occurred.

The four-time Pro Bowler isn't the same quarterback he once was, but he'd still be a solid backup, and likely better than O'Connell. Cousins would also provide a great mentor for a young signal-caller like Mendoza.

And, in the event that Mendoza doesn't start right away for whatever reason, Cousins is capable of stepping in and keeping the Raiders competitive.

We would expect Cousins really wants to start, but those opportunities are few and far between at this point in free agency.

Settling for a backup job might be the only opportunities out there for Cousins, and in that scenario we could see him landing in Vegas.

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