Chad Johnson, former Bengals wideout, speaking to Vegas Sports Today’s Mike Dixon, weighed in on the Raiders’ quarterback situation and came down on the side of letting the veteran handle Week 1.
His reasoning highlights two very familiar NFL stars: Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. Neither of them began their careers as rookies, and Johnson feels that this gradual development process is something rookie players don’t often experience these days.
With the Raiders sitting at No. 1 overall and Fernando Mendoza nearly a lock to be the pick, how fast he plays is already the bigger question.
Johnson leaned on Mahomes and Brady to push his point
Here’s what Johnson told Dixon about the situation:
“Kirk Cousins is probably going to be the starter for the Raiders. It would be smart for the development of Fernando Mendoza instead of throwing him out there to the wolves, Pat Mahomes and Tom Brady sat… The development of rookie quarterbacks is a lost gem.”@ochocinco on… pic.twitter.com/RusJT1U2Wy
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) April 17, 2026
“Kirk Cousins is probably going to be the starter for the Raiders. It would be smart for the development of Fernando Mendoza instead of throwing him out there to the wolves. Pat Mahomes and Tom Brady sat. The development of rookie quarterbacks is a lost gem.”
When one looks at it, history supports his stance. In 2017, Mahomes was just backing up Alex Smith in Kansas City. However, he took the position in 2018 and won the MVP award for that year.
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Likewise, Brady had a poor beginning in his first year but took the position after Drew Bledsoe was hurt in 2001 and ended the year winning the Super Bowl.
The Raiders have the exact same mindset as well. As stated by the GM John Spytek last week, “The best guy is going to play in Week 1.” Hence, it is evident that the team also places great importance on having an experienced player teach the rookie.
In this regard, Cousins has done nothing but accept the situation. According to Cousins’ interview on Good Morning Football, he does not wish to start unless he is the best choice. He also spoke well of Mendoza’s future.
Cousins probably start in September.
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