Raiders OTAs: Kirk Cousins helping Fernando Mendoza adjust to NFL life

The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a new era, and according to The Athletic‘s Sam Warren, early signs from OTAs suggest there’s plenty of optimism surrounding the franchise.

Joining Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show, Warren provided insight into several key storylines, including Maxx Crosby’s recovery, the quarterback room led by Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza, and the culture being established under new head coach Klint Kubiak.

One of the biggest developments for the Raiders is the return of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. While Crosby has not yet fully participated in practice as he recovers from injury, Warren said the veteran has remained heavily involved.

(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

“He hasn’t been out there really practicing with the team, but it’s cool to see him out there warming up, encouraging the guys before they go out and get into practice,” Warren said. “He’s stretching out there, he’s moving well. It seems like he’s running around. He said yesterday that he feels really good, and he feels like he’s really close to playing.”

After an offseason that included trade speculation involving the Baltimore Ravens, Crosby appears ready to move forward.

Warren noted that the All-Pro defender believes he’s “exactly where he needs to be” and remains committed to helping lead the Raiders’ rebuild.

The quarterback room is another major focus. Veteran Kirk Cousins is helping mentor rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

According to Warren, the relationship between the two quarterbacks has been encouraging.

“Kirk is kind of taking the lead in that room with the experience that he has,” Warren explained. “He’s really being a teacher to Aidan O’Connell and Fernando Mendoza as they get used to the system for the first time.”

While Mendoza continues working primarily with the third-team offense, Warren said the Raiders are taking a patient approach with the rookie’s development.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The culture shift under Kubiak has also been noticeable. Warren described the first-year head coach’s approach as disciplined and business-like.

“Everything that we’ve heard is that Kubiak is all ball,” Warren said. “When they’re in the building, it’s all about business, it’s all about getting better.”

With Crosby nearing a return, Cousins helping develop Mendoza, and a new coaching staff implementing fresh systems on both sides of the ball, the Raiders appear focused on building a stronger foundation ahead of training camp and the 2026 season.

2026 Las Vegas Raiders Schedule

• June 9-10, 2026 – Mandatory Minicamps
• Late July 2026 – NFL Training Camps open
• Thursday, September 13th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – @ New Orleans Saints – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Kansas City Chiefs – 1:25 pm PT

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