The Las Vegas Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a one-year, $20 million contract on Thursday, positioning him as a short-term starter and mentor for presumptive No. 1 overall draft pick Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. New coach Klint Kubiak, who worked with Cousins in Minnesota, prefers rookies sit initially. The deal includes roughly half paid by the Raiders—with a $1.3 million minimum and $10 million roster bonus due March 2027—and the rest offset by the Atlanta Falcons after cutting Cousins this offseason.
One week after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins voiced confidence in competing for the starting role despite the team's plans to select Indiana's Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. On his first official day, Cousins praised Mendoza after a draft visit and film session together, while new coach Klint Kubiak reiterated his preference for rookies to learn behind veterans.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft's first round, skipped the Pittsburgh event to celebrate in Miami with family amid his mother's battle with multiple sclerosis. The Heisman winner, who led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and national title, now faces immense pressure to revive a franchise with a history of draft woes.
The NFL offseason opened with major free agency signings and trades, including wide receiver Mike Evans joining the San Francisco 49ers and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson signing with the Baltimore Ravens. These moves, part of 10 highlighted transactions, set the stage for the 2026 NFL Draft and Super Bowl 61 race. Analysts note impacts from superstar shifts and under-the-radar deals.
The NFL's 2026 free agency negotiating window has significantly reshaped projections for the first round of the upcoming draft. Key moves, including a failed trade for edge rusher Maxx Crosby and several high-profile signings, have shifted team needs. Running back Jeremiyah Love now enters the top five in mock drafts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in University of Miami quarterback Carson Beck primarily because of his extensive starting experience, according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac. Dulac noted that Beck has started 43 games, including time at Georgia where he won a national title. The team has little intention of selecting a quarterback with its top pick.
The NFL has officially invited 16 college prospects to attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh from April 23 to 25. The group includes nine defenders and seven offensive players, as announced in a league press release. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, projected as the No. 1 pick, will not attend.