Kirk Cousins, the newly signed Las Vegas Raiders quarterback, appears to have confirmed the team's plans for the 2026 NFL Draft. In a recent interview, Cousins stated, 'The best player should play. I think Fernando [Mendoza] is going to be a great addition to our team.' This comment comes amid widespread speculation that the Raiders will select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
Cousins, who signed a five-year, $172 million deal with the Raiders, is expected to mentor Mendoza if the team drafts him. The veteran quarterback also revealed that a FaceTime conversation with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady played a significant role in his decision to join the team. 'I felt like that was a big nudge for me to come to Vegas,' Cousins said.
Meanwhile, Raiders general manager John Spytek has remained tight-lipped about the team's draft plans, despite reports that Mendoza is already preparing for the Raiders' offense. The team's silence has fueled speculation, but Cousins' comments may have inadvertently revealed their intentions.
In a separate interview, Cousins praised the Raiders' uniforms, calling them 'the best jerseys in pro sports.' This statement, while unrelated to the draft, highlights his enthusiasm for the franchise.