Story perspectives

Raiders Assemble ‘Perfect’ QB Trio: Mendoza, Cousins, O’Connell

6/10/2026

Summary

Raiders Build QBroom

The Las Vegas Raiders assembled a quarterback room that includes rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, veteran Kirk Cousins, and backup Aidan O’Connell.
Coach Klint Kubiak presented Mendoza as the franchise quarterback while describing Cousins as a mentor without ego.
Cousins said he expects Mendoza to teach him a patented back-shoulder fade.
The trio is described as giving the Raiders the perfect quarterback room they need.

Summary

McCoy Details QB Battle

Assistant head coach Mike McCoy said the Raiders have a detailed plan for the quarterback battle.
Mike McCoy praised the attitude of Mendoza, Cousins and O'Connell as they compete for the starter role and said Mendoza can study Cousins' and O'Connell's throwing styles.
The quarterbacks watched a Las Vegas Golden Knights win over the Colorado Avalanche before Mendoza and Cousins attended a movie where Cousins joked about the 1995 film “Heavyweights.”

Summary

Cousins Coaching Raiders

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is acting as a field coach for head coach Klint Kubiak and offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko to install offense’s foundation.
Raiders GM John Spytek said the team entered the 2026 offseason with free-agency money, the No. 1 draft pick, nine selections, and aims to build roster chemistry.
Cousins’ experience is expected to shorten the offense’s learning curve, create complementary football and aid the defense after he leaves.

Summary

Cousins Leads Overhaul

On June 9 at mandatory minicamp, Kirk Cousins said the quarterback room will be collaborative and he will learn from Aidan O’Connell’s fourth-year experience.
The Raiders released Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett in the 2026 offseason, leaving Aidan O’Connell as the sole returning signal-caller.
The team pairs No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza with veteran Kirk Cousins while Aidan O’Connell provides continuity, signaling a complete quarterback overhaul.

History

Historical Context

After the Indianapolis Colts turned a 2-14 season into an 11-win, playoff-bound campaign by drafting Andrew Luck first overall in 2012 and pairing him with veteran Peyton Manning, teams have copied the model. In 2026 the Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 and paired him with veteran Kirk Cousins, hoping to replicate that rapid turnaround.

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Raiders Build QBroom

The Las Vegas Raiders assembled a quarterback room that includes rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, veteran Kirk Cousins, and backup Aidan O’Connell.
Coach Klint Kubiak presented Mendoza as the franchise quarterback while describing Cousins as a mentor without ego.
Cousins said he expects Mendoza to teach him a patented back-shoulder fade.
The trio is described as giving the Raiders the perfect quarterback room they need.

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