Why Raiders' Kirk Cousins signing is a major win for Fernando Mendoza

By bringing Cousins into the mix, Kubiak and the Raiders have a proven starter capable of opening the season as QB1, giving Mendoza time to prepare behind the scenes before taking the reins. That will also allow Las Vegas to assess where the rest of the roster stands and what it needs to give Mendoza the greatest chance of prolonged success.

At this point in his career, Cousins shouldn't have a problem serving as a seat warmer until Mendoza is ready. The Falcons surprisingly took quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall, a little over a month after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180M contract in 2024 free agency, so he's already familiar with the setup he finds himself entering. And unlike in Atlanta, this time, he knows what he's getting into.

Starting Mendoza immediately may carry more risk than reward, but Cousins should give the projected No. 1 pick an extended runway before takeoff. That's a promising development for the 2025 Heisman winner. 

Las Vegas appears uninterested in chasing short-term success but is rather setting itself up for the long haul. Considering the numerous lows the Raiders have endured over the years, it's a start.