Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins has a dual role for the Raiders right now.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is in a tricky spot. He’s got a familiar boss who’s already assured him he’s going to have his old job back, but he’s also signed on to break in the rookie who’s going to take his place.
Cousins has become an expert at saying the right things in this situation, and part of that involves compartmentalizing and separating his job with the Raiders from the one he has with Mendoza, which he talked about in a piece by Sam Warren of The Athletic.
“I understand what I signed up for, and we’re all in this together,” Cousins said “We’re just trying to help the Raiders win football games, and I don’t want to be entitled or be given something I didn’t earn. I think it’s important that the best player plays, or the one who can help the team win the most. That’s really what the perspective needs to be. If it’s not me, it’s not me. We’ll all be working together and trying to help this team win and let the chips fall where they may.”
Cousins wants Mendoza to succeed, but maybe not right away. He’s experienced nearly every aspect of NFL life during his long career, and he emphasized not being surprised as an important aspect of the process.
“Anytime you’re not caught off guard, that’s a good thing,” said Cousins, who was stunned when the Atlanta Falcons selected his replacement, QB Michael Penix, during the 2024 draft “At the same time, welcome to the NFL. You’re going to have surprises. Change is always happening, and you’ve got to be able to roll with it. Those who can adapt and move forward are those who tend to last. We’ll see how it all plays out. The story is being written.”
Cousins also knows that the most important part of that story for him right now is playing well. It’s not going to do him or Mendoza any good if he struggles or gets hurt, so he’s trying to keep his spot in this competition.
“It would seem if you’re playing good football at the quarterback position, there’s always going to be a demand for you,” Cousins said. “Just go out there and make sure you can help your football team win games, and let the chips fall where they may.”
The Raiders new QB did mention that there were several other teams that were interested in him, which was an interesting part of the equation.
“It’s always interesting in this league when maybe you don’t want to change teams,” Cousins said. “But then when you do, and you meet new people and new coaches, and you learn new things, you say I can’t imagine not having met those people and having not changed teams to have those experiences. I feel much the same way here. There’s just a lot of good people and a lot of good football I’ve learned just being here. It’s been enjoyable for me.”
