3 Observations from the Raiders' Signing of Kirk Cousins

Aidan O'Connell's Future

The Raiders have what many believe is a capable backup quarterback in O'Connell. However, circumstances continue to keep O'Connell far from the field. Those situations range from having three head coaches and even more offensive coordinators in his three seasons in the league.

Injuries held O'Connell back last season, but he and any other quarterback were unlikely to experience much success with the supporting cast the Raiders had in 2025. Still, the Raiders could have entered the 2026 season with O'Connell and lived with the results.

Instead, they decided to hand Cousins a solid contract for a player who will eventually become a backup quarterback. He could become a backup sooner than later, depending on Mendoza's development. This will be the fourth coaching O'Connell has played for.

It is hard to imagine that signing Cousins was not indicative of how the Raiders' new coaching staff feels about O'Connell. His missing most of last season likely played a large role in this decision. At this point, it is fair to wonder what the Raiders' long-term plan is for O'Connell, or if there is one at all.

Raiders Value Experience

Las Vegas' front office and coaching staff are eager for Mendoza's arrival, but it is rare for a rookie quarterback not to have any difficulties in their first season. Cousins' arrival essentially gives Kubiak, a first-time head coach, an extension of his coaching staff but on the field.

Earlier this offseason, Raiders general manager John Spytek explained his thought process regarding Las Vegas' group of quarterbacks. Mendoza is all but guaranteed to be drafted No. 1 overall in the upcoming draft, but the Raiders needed a proven veteran in the room.

"I think you want to limit the amount of pressure you have on that guy from the start. Now, if you have a young quarterback, I'm not necessarily in favor of running him out there right away either, so another quality player that can play the quarterback position if you have a young quarterback,” Spytek said at the NFL Combine.

“And obviously, a great offensive line, a run game, all the things that can limit his chances to really get killed. And a great defense too, because if he doesn't feel like he's got to go out there and score 35 points every week, I think that's helpful."

Position's Future

Cousins could see action in only a few games in the 2026 season, which would help prolong his career even more. This could allow the Raiders to keep him on the roster beyond the 2026 season, effectively eliminating backup quarterback as a concern for the Raiders' roster rebuild.