The Las Vegas Raiders are continuing to build their foundation for the 2026 season. On Wednesday, quarterback Kirk Cousins spoke to the Las Vegas media for the first time since signing earlier in the week.
Coming out of Michigan State as a fourth-round pick in 2012, he has done a lot to prepare for his 15th NFL season.
Cousins isn’t in Las Vegas just to play, he’s there to lead
Although playing in the AFC West is new territory, Cousins reunites with familiar faces. During his time in Minnesota he was with head coach Clint Kubiak, offensive coordinator Andrew Janko and offensive line coach Rick Dennison.
“It’s been a real privilege to work with Clint again,” Cousins said Wednesday. “I think a lot about him as a person. I think a lot about his system, his staff, Rick, Andrew, the way they run and pass. It’s a system that makes a lot of sense. I’m excited to be back with them again.
“Same thing for Tom (Brady). A lot of ownership groups won’t have someone with that kind of on-field experience who can talk with you at the level he can. I think that could be a competitive advantage going forward.”
That experience — from Brady to Cousins to the rest of the quarterback room — goes a long way.
Cousins is focused on the team rather than his own numbers.
“We all want to play, but I made it clear to Clint – the best player has to play,” said Cousins, who spent the last two seasons in Atlanta before coming to Las Vegas. “If that’s not me, I don’t want to be there. I don’t think it’s the best thing for the team. I’m excited to help lead, help make an impact in the locker room, do my part and most importantly, help our team win.”
That kind of unselfishness will resonate beyond the quarterback room.
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las vegas raiders quarterback room goals
With GM Jon Spytek and the front office almost certain to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in two weeks, the quarterback room continues to take shape.
“I’ve watched him from afar,” Cousins said of Mendoza. “He had an incredible college career. I met him yesterday during his draft visit. He seems like a high-potential guy. If we’re fortunate enough to get him here, it would be a privilege to work together.”
Cousins said the kind of praise Mendoza receives is something he would have liked but he has fully embraced the path that has made him a perennial NFL starter.
“I didn’t win any national championships or Heisman Trophy,” Cousins said, laughing. “At his level, he’s way ahead of me. But if you’re talking about playing with timing, playing with accuracy, understanding things, having good vision of the field, having a good feel for positions – those are qualities I’ve always tried to pride myself on, being accountable to my teammates.
“I haven’t studied Fernando, but from what I’ve seen from watching Big Ten games from a distance, he has a lot of knowledge about the position.”
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The Cousins Big Ten Connection
That Big Ten thread running through the Raiders’ quarterback room — including Brady, who played at Michigan — will be on full display, especially if Las Vegas drafts Mendoza.
Along with Aidan O’Connell, who committed to Purdue before being drafted in the fourth round in 2023, the projected trio of Cousins and Mendoza have three different NFL origin stories.
“I’m sure we’ll talk about it in the fall when they play each other,” Cousins said. “There’s always a community of Big Ten quarterbacks. It’s fun to see the journey to the NFL, too.
“You realize that being 5-stars and being the top guy, sometimes, is not the best way to win the long game. It’s about winning the long game. Sometimes, it’s about being a walk-on to Aidan O’Connell. The guys who win the long game don’t often have the red carpet, but it gives them grit and toughness where they learn that tough times don’t last but tough people do – and that creates the right habits. I think our Owner Tom Brady might have said something similar about his own path, it’s part of the journey.”
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How Kirk Cousins provides his leadership
As a 14-year veteran, Cousins has seen a lot. Washington selected Robert Griffin III three rounds ahead of them in 2012 — a situation not unlike Cleveland’s competition for the No. 1 spot last year with Dillon Gabriel and Shadure Sanders.
All three current quarterbacks in the Raiders organization – Brady, Cousins and O’Connell – have their own NFL story. And as for the room overall, the goal is to set the standard for young signal-callers.
“We spend a lot of time together in the room,” the cousin said. “I’m going to get to know Aiden really well over the next few weeks. I’ve always been very dependent on other guys in the room. Other quarterbacks almost become like a second coach.
“We’re always like a force working together in that room, trying to help each other, all pulling in the same direction. It’s just that you’re always together, supporting each other. My best years have always been the ones when the quarterback room is really strong.”
That leadership will go a long way as Cousins relearns the offense and play-calling. And you will get the benefit of selfless mentality in the first week.
Cousins says Kubiak preached “ride for the brand” and “play with shocking effort” as a message for the team going into the new season.
Kirk Cousins impressed with Raiders facility
Now with his fourth NFL organization, Cousins is adjusting to the Raiders’ practice facility in Henderson, about 10 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The facility earned a top six grade in last month’s NFLPA Facility Report Card.
“I’m learning about the culture,” Cousins said. “NFLPA grads are real. The Minnesota facility was brand new when I went there in 2018. This is a step up from that. The cafeteria, everything is super intuitive where everything is laid out. This is the first time I’ve been in a meeting room with a window. I’m used to being in a bunker. So I get to see these beautiful mountains every day and I’m like, ‘This is amazing.’ It is a very nice facility.”
The Raiders earned an A-minus or better in dining/meals, training room, training staff, weight room and nutritionist/dietitian. He also received an “A” grade on team ownership.
Cousins, including founder Al Davis, also appreciated the touches made around the building that honored franchise history.
“I love seeing Al Davis quotes all over the building,” he said. “I think my favorite is, ‘The Raiders’ greatness lies in their future.’ This is really a good quote to say that the best is yet to come. I think this is a quote full of hope and I love following it every day. I also love seeing Autumn Breeze written on the wall when you come in.”
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