According to Ian Rapoport, the Las Vegas Raiders anticipate that veteran QB Kirk Cousins will start in 2026 ahead of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to gain experience under Cousins. Cousins, a seasoned player, was signed partly for his potential mentorship. Mendoza, a standout from Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy and declared for the draft after a successful college career. The Raiders’ plans hinge on Cousins’ performance and health, as first-round QBs typically play sooner.
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Kirk Cousins to Start for Raiders Over Fernando Mendoza
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