When the Las Vegas Raiders made the bold decision to sign veteran Kirk Cousins, it immediately sparked debate about the team’s Week 1 quarterback plans for 2026. On Pardon the Interruption, ESPN’s Mina Kimes weighed in, explaining why Cousins could be the more practical starter to open the season – even as the franchise reportedly prepares to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
Cousins‘s signing is more than just a stopgap. The 37-year-old has spent 14 seasons in the NFL, starting over 200 games and throwing nearly 45,000 career passing yards. Over that time, he’s consistently demonstrated the ability to work under center, make accurate throws over the middle of the field, and manage complex offensive systems.
These are exactly the traits that Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak values in a quarterback. According to Kimes, Mendoza’s college tape shows a different profile from what Kubiak‘s system demands.
Mendoza is widely regarded as a top-tier talent and is expected to be the first overall pick thanks to his standout tenure at Indiana, where he impressed scouts with his size, toughness, and accuracy.
However, the specifics of his college deployment – particularly limited snaps under center and a low rate of intermediate throws – don’t fully match the offensive scheme Kubiak wants to run. Kimes pointed out that those types of plays simply weren’t part of Indiana’s system, meaning Mendoza might need time to adjust once he reaches the NFL.
Veteran presence first: Week 1 logic
This is where Cousins becomes a critical piece of the puzzle. He has extensive experience executing the type of offense Kubiak favors – both in Minnesota, under Kubiak‘s direction, and later with the Atlanta Falcons. This makes him a known quantity who can immediately step into the role, manage the game efficiently, and serve as a guide for Mendoza.
Kimes emphasized that bringing in Cousins is not an indictment of Mendoza‘s talent; it’s about easing the rookie into the NFL environment without overwhelming him.
“Watching Fernando Mendoza’s entire season at Indiana, I can count the number of snaps he played under center on one hand. He also threw over the middle of the field at a low rate. That’s just not what Indiana asked him to do,” said Kimes.
“It is, however, something that Kirk Cousins has done forever. He did it in Minnesota with Kubiak, and you saw him do it once he returned to health in Atlanta. So to me, it makes sense to bring him in so that you can onboard Mendoza slowly as he acclimates to the offense and gets comfortable without forcing the issue.”
Using Cousins as a “bridge” quarterback allows Mendoza to acclimate to the professional game at a manageable pace. He can study the playbook, learn the timing of NFL defenses, and observe the nuances of Kubiak‘s offense without the intense pressure of starting immediately.
Analysts have noted that rookies often perform better when they have a veteran mentor, which can increase their confidence and long-term success.
By leveraging Cousins‘s experience early, Las Vegas can give Mendoza the best possible chance to succeed, ensuring the rookie’s transition is smooth while the team remains competitive in Week 1 and beyond.
