Kirk Cousins Open to Backing Up Fernando Mendoza at the Raiders

Raiders' newest QB Kirk Cousins and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza could soon become teammates.

Kirk Cousins Open to Backing Up Fernando Mendoza at the Raiders

Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza (Image via Falcons/49ers Sportstalk/X)

In Short
  • Kirk Cousins is open to backing up rookie QB Fernando Mendoza with the Raiders.
  • Cousins expressed a willingness to learn from Mendoza and improve his own game.
  • A FaceTime conversation with Tom Brady influenced Cousins' decision to join the Raiders.

The Las Vegas Raiders are rumored to go with Fernando Mendoza as their No. 1 overall draft pick. At the same time, they also have veteran QB Kirk Cousins in the building.

They signed the latter after he was let go by the Atlanta Falcons. In the past, the 37-year-old has been known to be cold towards younger QBs, and has also made it clear he wants to start with the first team.

Even though the Falcons gave him the keys, he fumbled, throwing several interceptions before being benched for Michael Penix Jr. Then, when the latter struggled, Cousins was back in the fold.

But it was not enough for the Falcons to commit to him, even though they had already paid him an enormous chunk of money. Now, with the Raiders, the expectation is that the Illinois native will be their bridge quarterback until they feel that Fernando Mendoza is ready.

I don’t want to start unless I’m the best option. I told Klint (Kubiak) that the best player should play… I have no problem being a voice in the room to kind of help him.

Kirk Cousins told Good Morning Football

The four-time Pro Bowler seems to have changed his tune. From a time when he was insistent that he was only going to stay with a team if he was starting, to now, where he is open to backing up Fernando Mendoza.

The only caveat he mentioned to new head coach Klint Kubiak was that the best player should start. This could also mean that Kirk Cousins will do everything he can to win the QB1 job.

Kirk Cousins wants to learn from Fernando Mendoza

This interview with Good Morning Football was a day after Fernando Mendoza reported for his official visit with the Las Vegas Raiders. Kirk Cousins was also there in the facilities and revealed how their exchange went.

Fernando Mendoza will likely go to the Raiders
Fernando Mendoza will likely go to the Raiders (Image via Kalshi Football/X)

He was here yesterday on his draft day visit. We were able to watch film together. I was even telling him how much success he had throwing back shoulder at IU. I’d like to learn a little bit from him on how to throw a good back shoulder.

Kirk Cousins said

The Michigan State alum seems to be impressed with his soon-to-be rookie teammate’s ability to throw back shoulder passes. Mendoza’s deep balls have already impressed GM John Spytek. Therefore, it was no wonder that Cousins would also appreciate it.

The veteran signal caller added that it will be a ‘noisy’ QB room, as both he and the Indiana Hoosier will be working hard to help head coach Klint Kubiak get his schemes into effect.

Kirk Cousins was swayed by Tom Brady’s FaceTime

Before Kirk Cousins agreed to back up Fernando Mendoza if necessary, it was rumored that a few teams expressed their interest in the former fourth overall pick, as his ten years of starting experience are rare in the league.

Even his former offensive coordinator and current Los Angeles Rams head coach, Sean McVay, openly courted him. However, a former rival’s phone call ensured he would sign with the Raiders.

You know me, I’m going to do my homework before I move my family and sign somewhere. So I had a lot of conversations with the people here at the Raiders’ organization. One of the conversations was with Tom (Brady)… That was a big nudge for me to come to Vegas.

Kirk Cousins said

The father of two added that he labeled his FaceTime with Tom Brady as ‘life-giving’ to his wife. That was what sealed the deal, as Cousins believes that having someone with the seven-time Super Bowl winner‘s experience is something that can help him and the Raiders.

Also Read: