Kirk Cousins Open to Mentoring Rookie After Tom Brady Recruitment

Kirk Cousins is open to mentoring a rookie quarterback, potentially Fernando Mendoza, as the Raiders prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Cousins stated he only wants to start if he remains the team's best option. His decision to sign with Las Vegas was heavily influenced by a 'life-giving' FaceTime call from Tom Brady while Cousins was coaching youth baseball. Despite the team's plan to draft a QB with the No. 1 pick, Cousins remains a candidate to start in Week 1.