The NFL has officially turned its attention to the 2026 NFL Draft. The annual league meeting concluded on Tuesday, and teams are now finalizing their draft boards.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the team is done with free agency. The Las Vegas Raiders are very active in the opening period, and their game isn’t over yet.
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The Raiders are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza; however, they have also explored the veteran market. Reports suggest they have turned their attention elsewhere after missing out on Joe Flacco.
Kubiak reunion?
Veteran free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins has reportedly emerged as a leading candidate for the Silver and Black. The Atlanta Falcons waived Cousins in early March, and he took a lot of time to evaluate his next move.
The Falcons surprised Cousins by selecting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft shortly after Cousins signed a massive long-term contract.
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In this case, Cousins will face very different expectations. He is no longer expected to be the team’s long-term representative, but he could provide valuable guidance to Mendoza.
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A key figure in this situation is Raiders head coach Clint Kubiak, who served as Cousins’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2019 to 2021.
Cousins enjoyed great success under Kubiak, making two Pro Bowl selections during that span. He could provide Kubiak’s veteran leadership values and maybe even revive his career again.
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Kubiak was the architect of the offense in Seattle when the Seahawks won the Super Bowl last year, helping Sam Darnold complete his career renaissance.
While Mendoza continues to improve, can Kubiak help Cousins revitalize his career?
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