WASHED: Las Vegas Raiders SIGN Kirk Cousins—Will He START Over Fernando Mendoza?

The Locked On Dynasty Football podcast breaks down the Las Vegas Raiders' signing of Kirk Cousins on a fully guaranteed contract worth approximately $20 million, with $10 million guaranteed. Hosts Marcus Mosier and Michael Fabiano debate whether Cousins will start Week 1 or serve as a mentor for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. While some believe Cousins is washed and unlikely to be a long-term solution, both hosts agree he’s a strategic move to ease Mendoza’s transition into the NFL. Historical data is cited showing that first-overall quarterbacks rarely succeed as rookies unless they are mobile runners, and the Raiders’ history of poor quarterback drafting (Mark Wilson, Todd Marinovich, Jamarcus Russell) adds skepticism. Despite Cousins’ declining stats and arm strength, his familiarity with offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak from their Minnesota days makes him a low-risk, high-reward backup. The consensus is that Mendoza is likely to be the Week 1 starter, but the presence of Cousins tempers expectations for a breakout rookie season. The episode concludes with a discussion on Mendoza’s realistic dynasty value—likely low-end QB2 in super flex leagues, not a franchise-altering rookie.