It was clear that the Las Vegas Raiders would look to bring in a veteran quarterback. While Fernando Mendoza is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick to serve as the signal-caller of the future, new head coach Klint Kubiak let it be known that he would prefer not to throw the rookie into the fire right away.
That led to the franchise being linked to Kirk Cousins for much of the offseason. The four-time Pro Bowler, who was waived at the start of the offseason, spent three years working with Kubiak on the Minnesota Vikings, making the fit between him and the organization natural.
While things took nearly a month to transpire, Cousins wound up agreeing to join the Raiders on Thursday on a great deal for both sides. ESPN's Adam Schefter then discussed how this situation is much different than his previous gig with the Atlanta Falcons, so fans don't need to worry.
Adam Schefter reveals how Kirk Cousins' tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders is different
Cousins agreed to a contract that will see Las Vegas essentially pay him $11.3 million for one season of work. He will presumably serve as the starting quarterback until the coaching staff feels that Mendoza is ready to take over, while also serving as the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner's mentor.
Of course, Cousins was not exactly open to a mentor role with the Falcons, as he was signed to a massive contract and was blindsided by the selection of Michael Penix Jr. Schefter appeared on First Take, where he discussed the differences between the two situations.
"This is really an ideal bridge quarterback situation, where they can bring in Cousins. It forces them to take the pressure off Mendoza. They don't have to rush him out there if they don't feel like he's ready. Kirk Cousins is a great quarterback for Mendoza to be around, to learn from. He becomes an ideal tutor," Schefter explained. "And if we think of Kirk Cousins in Atlanta, he did not choose to work with Michael Penix. The team chose Michael Penix. In this particular case, Kirk Cousins willingly, voluntarily signed on to work with Fernando Mendoza."
Cousins joined the Falcons ahead of the 2024 season on a four-year, $180 million contract that with $100 million in guaranteed money. Just over a month later, Atlanta selected Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft without notifying the veteran they had just signed or his agent.
That decision did not go over well with Cousins. However, he eventually embraced a mentor role after being benched for Penix Jr. The situation in Las Vegas is much different, as the soon-to-be 38-year-old is likely well aware of the franchise's long-term plan at the most important position in the sport.
He is also on a short-term deal that will pay him the veteran minimum in 2026, at least on Las Vegas' end. Cousins' history with Kubiak, combined with the chance to start, likely led to his decision to join the Raiders.
Ultimately, the head coach and general manager both wanted a quarterback to serve as the bridge while mentoring Mendoza, and there is no better fit for that role than Cousins. It now simply becomes a question of how long that bridge is.