Aidan O’Connell remains under contract and has starting experience, but sources indicate the Raiders should pursue another option. They explored Joe Flacco earlier in the offseason, but Flacco chose to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving the Raiders to consider alternatives.
Kirk Cousins has been linked to Las Vegas, leveraging a prior connection with head coach Klint Kubiak from their Minnesota Vikings days. Analysts suggest Cousins could serve as a polished stopgap, providing mentorship for Mendoza while the Raiders evaluate the long-term plan for the position.
At present, Cousins’ market value may limit a quick, lucrative move to Las Vegas. He could be faced with a one-year, around $10 million offer, or he may choose to pursue more favorable terms elsewhere or pursue a longer-term role beyond a temporary solution. The dynamic creates a potential standoff between immediate need and long-term fit.
Regardless of the path chosen, the Raiders face a pivotal offseason as they attempt to convert improvements into sustained success. The team has made notable free-agent moves and is counting on the draft to bolster depth, but questions about quarterback stability remain central to their prospects in 2026 and beyond.
The overarching takeaway is clear: Las Vegas is not one quarterback away from contention, and the front office appears prepared to explore multiple routes—combining Mendoza’s development with a veteran bridge or alternative veteran signals—to determine if 2026 can mark a meaningful step forward in a competitive division.
