Kirk Cousins Could Impact Fernando Mendoza's NFL Future

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 28, 2026 2:19 PM ET

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins might not remain a free agent much longer.

The Atlanta Falcons released Cousins at the start of the league year. That move was inevitable once the front office restructured his contract. He would've been due $67.9 million for the 2027 season if he was still on Atlanta's roster by March 13.

Cousins started eight games for the Falcons during the 2025 season, completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. The team went 5-3 with him as the starter.

Even though Cousins still has some gas left in the tank, NFL teams prioritized signing younger quarterbacks in free agency, such as Malik Willis and Tua Tagovailoa.

So where will the veteran signal-caller end up? According to Saad Yousuf of The Athletic, the Las Vegas Raiders should be a team to watch for Cousins.

"He’s a veteran guy who has seen a lot and can be a solid mentor to the expected No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders’ front office has also made it clear that they’re not sold on making Mendoza the Day 1 starter as a rookie," Yousuf wrote. "Cousins would give the franchise a good stopgap option, while the Raiders would give Cousins an opportunity to display to the rest of the league what he has left in the tank."

Why this move makes a ton of sense for the Raiders.

If the Raiders don't want to rush Fernando Mendoza's development, acquiring a proven quarterback makes sense. Cousins could basically hold down the fort until the Heisman Trophy winner is ready.

Cousins would also give Raiders coach Klint Kubiak someone who can run his system from Day 1. After all, he has a ton of experience with Kyle Shanahan's coaching tree.

We'll see if the Raiders pull the trigger and sign Cousins later this offseason.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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