AFC updates: Raiders sign Kirk Cousins and Chiefs rookies advance

The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders are navigating roster developments involving veteran players and rookies. The Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins with the intent to have him start in 2026, a move designed to avoid rushing top draft pick Fernando Mendoza into a starting role. According to an agent, the team indicated at the NFL Combine that they did not want to play Mendoza as a rookie; an assistant coach suggested Aidan O'Connell would likely start ahead of Mendoza if Cousins were to suffer an injury.

In Kansas City, rookie cornerback Jadon Canady is preparing for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system, noting that his experience playing at both Ole Miss and Oregon helped him adapt to different defensive schemes. Other Chiefs rookies are making strides in training camp, such as wide receiver Cyrus Allen, who has emerged as a contender for the WR3 position. Meanwhile, first-round defensive tackle Peter Woods is working on discipline and adjustment, and cornerback Mansoor Delane is managing a shoulder injury while maintaining a secure position on the depth chart.