Raiders predicted to sign former Pro Bowl quarterback to back up Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to take their latest swing at a franchise quarterback with the team slated to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

But Las Vegas still has a need under center, and more specifically a need for a veteran backup after the team traded away Geno Smith to the New York Jets.

Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut has just the solution: he predicts the Raiders will sign quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency.

Here's Johnson's thoughts on a Cousins-Raiders pairing:

One of the most common NFL comparisons for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who will be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is Kirk Cousins. While that might not sound that enticing, let’s remember that Cousins boasts a career 96.8 passer rating and he’ll likely reach 45,000 career passing yards with 300 passing touchdowns in 2026. He also fits what Las Vegas is looking for. The Raiders want an experienced quarterback who can mentor Mendoza during his rookie season and temporarily serve as the starting quarterback. Cousins can start the first few games, while Mendoza gains a better feel for Klint Kubiak’s playbook and adjusts to playing under center, and then take over in October.

While Johnson floats the idea of Cousins starting to give Mendoza more time to develop, we would expect the projected No. 1 pick to start immediately.

Cousins no doubt has a desire to start, but with clear QB1 jobs drying up because of free agency, he may have no choice but to take a backup job.

Cousins' best days are no doubt behind him, but he'd still amount to a solid backup solution who can keep the Raiders afloat if Mendoza gets hurt.

He'd also provide a strong mentor for the former Indiana superstar.

Another positive with acquiring Cousins is the Raiders could possibly turn around and trade the veteran for a draft pick at the deadline if a quarterback-needy team comes calling.

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