All articles tagged with #las vegas raiders
Rich Gannon views Kirk Cousins’ signing as a clear Raiders blueprint: bring in a proven quarterback to spark real competition, consider drafting a rookie such as Fernando Mendoza, and let spring/summer reps determine Week 1 duties under Klint Kubiak, with no formal starter timetable yet.
The article analyzes Peter Schrager’s two-round mock drafts and how they could shape Las Vegas at No. 36: a potential trade-up for a high-value defensive prospect like Kayden McDonald if he slides into the late 20s, concerns about finding a reliable No. 2 receiver in round two, and a slate of possible 2nd-round targets (nose tackle/defensive linemen, cornerbacks) with luxury options like Keldric Faulk as fits; absent a trade-up, Raiders could land players such as Lee Hunter or Christen Miller to address interior line needs.
Market odds strongly favor the Las Vegas Raiders drafting quarterback Fernando Mendoza first in the 2026 NFL Draft, a view reinforced by Kirk Cousins’s remarks about the Raiders’ Big Ten quarterback depth and the lack of credible competing plans; only an extraordinary trade offer could derail Mendoza’s path to the top pick.
Kirk Cousins joins the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year, $20 million deal (with $8.3 million paid by the Falcons) and positions himself to either start or mentor rookie Fernando Mendoza as the franchise rebuilds. After consulting coach Klint Kubiak and receiving guidance from Tom Brady, Cousins embraced Vegas’ culture and the chance to help Mendoza develop, stressing that winning with the right people matters most and that he’ll play if he’s the best option for the team.
Kirk Cousins says the best player should start and has offered to mentor Fernando Mendoza, signaling Mendoza could be the Raiders’ future franchise QB if he outperforms in camp and earns the job.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins signs with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with coach Klint Kubiak and joining a young, well-resourced roster. He cites the Raiders’ facilities, ownership/management commitment, and Las Vegas environment as key reasons for the move, and says his aim is to lead and finish strong in Year 15 while helping Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty and Tyler Linderbaum accelerate the franchise’s progress.
Bleacher Report’s scouting team released an updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft entering April, keeping Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 to the Raiders and reshuffling the top of the board (Jets add Arvell Reese; Cardinals land David Bailey; Titans select Jeremiyah Love; Giants grab Caleb Downs), while noting ongoing evaluations, medicals, pro days, and possible draft-day trades as the class moves toward the April 23 selections.
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak says Maxx Crosby’s return from Baltimore after offseason knee surgery feels like signing another free agent, praising Crosby’s work ethic and leadership as Las Vegas rebuilds with a crowded free-agent class (Linderbaum, Nailor, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, Taron Johnson) and eyes a potential turnaround heading into the draft.
The Raiders pursued a trade that would have sent Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round picks, but the deal collapsed after Crosby’s knee injury; GM John Spytek says their relationship remains strong and signals Crosby could remain with Las Vegas in 2026.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is reportedly learning the Raiders’ offense under Brian Griese as draft day approaches, with analysts noting the install-focused process resembles early development for top picks and Mendoza remains the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Former Raiders center Barret Robbins, a 2002 All-Pro and Pro Bowler who started 105 games, died at 52. Robbins is best known for disappearing the day before Super Bowl XXXVII; he later returned to the Raiders for the game but did not play, attributing the episode to a mental-health issue caused by not taking his medication.
The proposed two-first-round-picks trade of Maxx Crosby to the Ravens fell through due to the Ravens’ concerns about Crosby’s knee. Raiders GM John Spytek emphasized Crosby’s value and expected return healthy in August, signaling the team will move forward with him in 2026 and would only part with him for a high-quality offer.
Raiders GM John Spytek says keeping Maxx Crosby could pay off after a failed Ravens trade; Crosby is rehabbing with plans to be ready by August, and Las Vegas would consider a strong offer but is building the roster around Crosby as a key piece.
Tom Brady told CNBC that he inquired about unretiring for an NFL return but was rebuffed by the league; returning would require him to divest his 10% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, which he has held since 2024. He says he’s happily retired, even as he stays active in football circles through a Fox Sports contract and a strategic advisory role with the Raiders. He recently played in a flag football event, which reinforced his retirement, though he wouldn’t fully rule out rare possibilities like Olympic flag football in 2028.
Tom Brady revealed he asked the NFL whether he could return to play while still owning part of the Raiders; the league says a player can’t be an owner and a player at the same time, and Brady would likely need to sell his stake and may face salary-cap considerations, making a comeback unlikely.