Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins might want to produce below heart in 2026. Fernando Mendoza’s presence in Las Vegas takes some strain off of Cousins for subsequent season, although in the occasion that the latter is called the beginning QB, he’ll nonetheless carry main expectations on the yr.
According to CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles, Cousins is one in every of 4 quarterbacks who face defining seasons in 2026 with their respective new groups.
Before the damage, Cousins was considerably like Sam Darnold, whom Klint Kubiak actually did properly with final yr. Can he nonetheless be considerably just like that, even when a step down? … They’ll (the Raiders) hope Tyler Linderbaum helps elevate the unit as an entire, however Cousins behind an iffy line is a scary proposition. Expect a heavy dose of Bowers. Cousins discovered a very good reference to Pitts final yr; he’ll feed his standout tight finish.
Cousins is trying to bounce again from accidents that slowed him down for the final two years. The Raiders have an improved roster for subsequent season, notably on offense, with an upgraded offensive line and extra depth in the backfield. The 37-year-old Cousins is anticipated to orchestrate that unit and be a mentor to Mendoza no matter who will get the beginning in Week 1.
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With the totally different ways in which Cousins will likely be checked out to make an influence on the workforce in 2026 and set the tone for the franchise, he approaches a yr that carries main implications for himself and the Raiders.
This article initially appeared on Raiders Wire: Does Raiders QB Kirk Cousins face defining season in 2026?