Raiders set veteran Kirk Cousins as starter before rookie Fernando Mendoza

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a fully guaranteed $20 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders after being released by the Atlanta Falcons on March 11. The Raiders, who selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, are planning to have Cousins start the upcoming season while the rookie acclimates. Team insiders suggest Mendoza may see his first start around Week 8 or Week 13, providing the veteran a chance to lead the offense early in the year.

Cousins' wife, Julie, posted a rare family photo session to Instagram, describing it as their "best summer yet" and showing the couple with their sons Cooper and Turner.