The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for a new era at quarterback, and it’s shaping up to be an intriguing journey. With Geno Smith now traded to the New York Jets, the stage is set for Fernando Mendoza to take the reins as the Raiders' new franchise QB. But while Mendoza's role seems locked in, the backup position is still up in the air.
Aidan O'Connell, the current backup, hasn't exactly dazzled in his recent outings. This leaves the Raiders with a decision to make: stick with O'Connell or bring in some fresh competition to keep things interesting.
Enter Kirk Cousins, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback who’s now a free agent. Cousins was released at the start of the new league year, joining a quarterback market that’s been cooling off, especially after Kyler Murray inked a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Cousins brings a wealth of experience and leadership, making him an appealing option for teams in rebuild mode. However, his age and injury history have some teams hesitant to commit to him as a long-term starter.
Earlier this offseason, Cousins' hefty $180 million contract was restructured, paving the way for his release. Despite not being at his peak, the four-time Pro Bowler could still serve as a solid backup, potentially offering more than O'Connell. Plus, he’d be a fantastic mentor for a young quarterback like Mendoza.
Should Mendoza not be ready to start immediately, Cousins is more than capable of stepping in and keeping the Raiders competitive. While Cousins likely has aspirations to start, the reality of free agency might limit his options to backup roles. In that scenario, landing with the Raiders could be a win-win for both sides, offering stability for the team and a valuable opportunity for Cousins.