Raiders rumor reveals 'prime option' for backup to Fernando Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders need to add more competition at quarterback behind Fernando Mendoza and an ESPN report names a signal-caller who is considered a "prime option" for Las Vegas.
Raiders rumor reveals 'prime option' for backup to Fernando Mendoza originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Las Vegas Raiders have things set at the starting quarterback spot ahead of the 2026 season, with the team set to take Indiana superstar Fernando Mendoza with the No.
1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. But things are less than settled in the backup quarterback spot, where the Raiders only have failed 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell. At the very least, Las Vegas should bring in more competition for the 27-year-old.
Not only could the Raiders use a more established option to keep the team afloat just in case Mendoza gets hurt, but the young quarterback could use a mentor behind him, also. Kirk Cousins is Raiders 'prime option' According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler , former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is "considered a prime option" to back up Mendoza. Fowler adds that the Raiders did try to sign fellow veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco before he ultimately re-upped with the Cincinnati Bengals .
The Los Angeles Rams could be competition for Cousins, also, Fowler notes. "Signs point to the Las Vegas Raiders adding a veteran quarterback to pair with Fernando Mendoza, and Kirk Cousins is considered a prime option," Fowler reported. "The Raiders tried to sign Joe Flacco, who opted to stay with Cincinnati.