Kirk Cousins spoils Raiders' NFL Draft plans, says he doesn't want to start unless he's 'the best option'

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins just spoiled the worst kept secret in the NFL. With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders will select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Cousins confirmed as much during an interview with NFL Network, calling Mendoza a “great addition to our team.” Cousins also revealed that the two spoke and watched film together when Mendoza visited the team in April.

With those comments, Cousins also seemed to squash any potential for awkwardness between him and Mendoza. As a veteran with a lengthy track record in the NFL, Cousins could have approached the situation with a guarded, apprehensive energy.

Instead, Cousins made it clear that he understands the assignment in front of him. He’ll be tasked with guiding the Raiders forward until the team decides Mendoza is ready to play. Cousins even added that he doesn’t want to play unless he’s the best option for the team.

“I don’t want to start unless I’m the best option,” Cousins said. “And I told [new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak] that. The best player should play. As long as that’s the case, I have no qualms with however it plays out.”

It’s a much different situation than Cousins faced with the Atlanta Falcons. After signing Cousins to a massive four-year, $180 million deal, the Falcons immediately turned around and took Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Cousins was “surprised” and “misled” by that selection, and admitted he would have reconsidered his free-agent decision had he known the Falcons were going to take a quarterback that high.

By all accounts, Cousins didn’t let that situation affect his relationship with Penix once he was officially part of the team. The two reportedly had a good relationship with each other in Atlanta.

With the situation clearly laid out in Las Vegas, Cousins has no issue with being relegated to a veteran voice in the quarterback room for Mendoza if the team turns to him during the 2026 NFL season.

“I have no problem being a voice in the room to kinda help him to the degree that I can,” Cousins added. “He’s gonna have great support around him from the coaching staff. But to the degree of being able to watch a veteran quarterback go through his habits and routines and process. I think that can be a great asset for him.”

It could take some time before that happens. All indications suggest Cousins will start the season as the team’s starter as it develops Mendoza.

Whether Cousins keeps the job will depend on his play. The 37-year-old hasn’t been the same since tearing his Achilles ahead of joining the Falcons, though did post a solid 10-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio with Atlanta down the stretch last year.

Even if Cousins turns in an admirable performance, the team may still eventually turn to Mendoza. While Cousins might bristle at that decision if he’s playing well, it doesn’t sound like the long-time veteran will put up a fuss if he becomes a mentor for Mendoza.