Raiders officially sign four-time Pro Bowl quarterback to mentor Fernando Mendoza

Raiders officially sign four-time Pro Bowl quarterback to mentor Fernando Mendoza originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Las Vegas Raiders recently made a move that will give them stability at quarterback.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders signed a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback to mentor Las Vegas’ projected No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. “Las Vegas Raiders now have signed unrestricted free agent QB Kirk Cousins,” Schefter wrote on X/Twitter Monday.

While Schefter initially reported the deal last Thursday, it didn't become official until Monday. While many are anxious to see how Mendoza will perform in a Raiders uniform, the plan is for Las Vegas to give Cousins the nod to start the 2026-27 season and allow Mendoza to learn from the experienced 37-year-old signal caller. It’s unlikely Cousins will get inducted into the Hall of Fame when it’s all said and done.

Still, there’s no denying that the Michigan State product has enjoyed a productive NFL career with multiple franchises (six with the Washington Commanders , six with the Minnesota Vikings , and two with the Atlanta Falcons ). Cousins has completed 3,934 passes, thrown for 44,700 yards, and tossed 298 touchdowns in 174 total games. From a long-term perspective, Mendoza is the Raiders’ No.