Adding Kirk Cousins as mentor for Fernando Mendoza would be wise for Raiders

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza may be one of the most pro-ready players in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that doesn't mean he should start immediately. 

The Las Vegas Raiders — who are expected to take Mendoza with pick No. 1 in the draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh — are reportedly interested in veteran QB Kirk Cousins after the Atlanta Falcons released him on Wednesday. They would likely sign the four-time Pro Bowler as a bridge QB.

That shouldn't be viewed as a negative. In fact, it may better position the 2025 Heisman winner to succeed. 

QBs who sit early typically experience more success 

Teams that are picking at the top of the draft are doing so for a reason: They stink. Throwing a rookie QB into that situation and having him play immediately usually isn't a quick fix for these organizations. It also increases the chance he busts. For example, the Houston Texans picked QB David Carr with pick No. 1 in 2002 and named him their Week 1 starter. He had a 22-53 record in five seasons with Houston and threw more interceptions (65) than touchdown passes (59). 

Even Hall of Fame QBs struggle. Peyton Manning went 3-13 and threw a league-leading 28 interceptions (a rookie record) with the Indianapolis Colts in 1998.

QBs do need to get experience during their rookie season, but those who sit for a while usually turn out fine. New England Patriots QB Drake Maye (pick No. 3 in 2024) was named the starter in Week 6 of the 2024 season. Of course, this past season, he was named a league MVP finalist and led New England to its first Super Bowl appearance since 2018. 

Just as importantly for the Raiders, Cousins, who turns 38 on Aug. 19, would be willing to mentor Mendoza. Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. has said that Cousins was super supportive of him throughout his rookie season in 2024, even after he replaced him.  

Now, Mendoza should play at some point during his rookie season and could show why he was worth the top pick. The 6-foot-5, 236-pound passer flashed franchise cornerstone potential in 2025, ranking first in the FBS in TD passes (41) and leading the Hoosiers to their first national title. 

The Raiders want Mendoza to help turn things around in Vegas, just like he did at Indiana. However, the franchise must remember he needs time to develop. The AFC West club adding Cousins could give him more.