NFL

Raiders’ Signing of Veteran Quarterback Cousins Can Mean Only One Thing for Fernando Mendoza

The team is expected to pick the Heisman Trophy winner first in the NFL Draft, then have him back up an experienced QB rather than start right away.
Raiders’ Signing of Veteran Quarterback Cousins Can Mean Only One Thing for Fernando Mendoza
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins throws against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz.., on Dec. 21, 2025. Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo
Matthew Davis
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The Las Vegas Raiders’ signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on Thursday confirms what the team has in mind for Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza—the presumed No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft on April 23.

Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy after leading Indiana to a first-ever national championship in the 2025 season. He’s expected to turn around the Raiders, who went 3–14 last season, as any highly drafted quarterback would be.

Matthew Davis
Matthew Davis
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Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.