Raiders' Kirk Cousins Calls Mentor Label 'Bit of a Reach' After Fernando Mendoza Draft Pick

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins sees the leadership lessons going both ways as he practices with a new-look Las Vegas Raiders roster that includes No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

Cousins told reporters that him effectively mentoring Mendoza and other QBs is "a bit of a reach" and "more of a narrative than it is the truth."

"Nobody's leading more than someone else," he said, per ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "I think we're all a working force together, helping each other, giving feedback, giving perspective [and] giving another set of eyes."

Ahead of the draft, first-year Raiders coach Klint Kubiak posited that starting a rookie quarterback in Week 1 isn't always the best approach. It's not a coincidence Las Vegas signed Cousins before pinning its long-term hopes on Mendoza.

The franchise also spent the second-most money ($308.1 million overall) in free agency, so it's aiming to make a jump following a 3-14 finish in 2025.

Cousins isn't in Vegas purely to hold a clipboard and contribute to Mendoza's development. He is, however, expected to work collaboratively with the Heisman Trophy winner.

It's not an unfamiliar position for the 37-year-old.

He didn't expect the Atlanta Falcons to turn around and use a first-rounder on Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 after giving him a massive contract. That didn't stop him from competing for the starting job while simultaneously helping the guy who was supposed to replace him.

Unlike his Atlanta tenure, Cousins signed with the Raiders knowing full well the lay of the land. Mendoza had been the presumptive No. 1 selection for weeks.

Sooner or later, Las Vegas will elevate Mendoza into the starting role. Before that happens, Cousins still has a chance to prove he remains a viable starter in the NFL.