Raiders Secure Kirk Cousins, Eye Rookie QB for Future
The Las Vegas Raiders made headlines this week by finalizing a deal with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The contract, worth $20 million for one year with a team option for two more years, positions Cousins as a short-term starter while the Raiders prepare to draft Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. This move signals a clear transition plan, as Cousins is expected to mentor Mendoza, who recently impressed scouts at his pro day. The Raiders’ front office, led by head coach Klint Kubiak, values Cousins’ experience and maturity, especially after his previous stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings. The team hopes this combination of veteran leadership and rookie potential will stabilize the quarterback position and set up long-term success.
2026 NFL Draft Approaches: Mock Drafts and Trade Rumors
With the 2026 NFL Draft less than three weeks away, excitement is building across the league. Pittsburgh will host the event, and analysts predict a flurry of activity, including four first-round trades and a heavy focus on quarterbacks and wide receivers. Six quarterbacks are projected to be selected within the first 181 picks, with Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson leading the class. Wide receivers are in high demand, with 26 expected to go in the first five rounds, followed closely by 24 edge rushers. Teams like the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills are expected to load up at receiver, while the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys target running backs and defensive backs to address key roster needs. The Chicago Bears are projected to double down on offense with two second-round picks, reflecting a league-wide trend of investing in playmakers and protection for young quarterbacks.
Cornerback Race Heats Up: McCoy and Delane Lead the Pack
The battle for the top cornerback spot in the draft is intensifying between Jermod McCoy of Tennessee and Mansoor Delane of LSU. McCoy returned from a torn ACL to post impressive numbers at his pro day, including a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical jump. Scouts have praised his recovery and physical tools, putting him back in contention for the No. 1 cornerback slot. Delane remains a top-15 prospect, known for his size and ability to play man coverage. Teams such as the Giants, Commanders, Saints, Chiefs, Bengals, and Cowboys are all considered potential landing spots for these elite defenders. The outcome of this race will have a significant impact on how the first round unfolds, especially for teams looking to upgrade their secondary.
Veteran Moves and Contract Extensions Across the League
Several established players made news this week with new contracts and team changes. Kirk Cousins’s deal with the Raiders stands out, as it makes him one of the highest-earning players in NFL history, trailing only Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs signed cornerback Kaiir Elam to help replace departed starters Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. The Baltimore Ravens became the first team to start their offseason program, with head coach Jesse Minter uncertain about quarterback Lamar Jackson’s participation due to last season’s injuries. The Cleveland Browns continue to face uncertainty at quarterback, with owner Jimmy Haslam expressing cautious optimism about Deshaun Watson’s future. Other notable moves include the Dallas Cowboys placing the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens and the Buffalo Bills re-signing safety Damar Hamlin.
Draft Strategies: Trades and Team Needs Shape the Board
Mock drafts this week highlighted aggressive trade strategies, with teams like the Rams, Falcons, Cowboys, Chiefs, Lions, Jets, Bills, Browns, and Chargers all projected to move up or down the board to secure key prospects. The Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks are seen as likely candidates to trade down to accumulate more picks, given their limited selections in the early rounds. Teams are prioritizing positions like edge rusher, offensive tackle, and wide receiver, with analysts noting a lack of premium prospects at some spots but strong depth in others. The Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans are expected to focus on offensive line and running back help, while the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints target running backs in the middle rounds.
Player Health, Retirements, and Off-Field Updates
Injury updates and retirements also made headlines. Jermod McCoy’s successful return from injury has boosted his draft stock, while Jordyn Tyson’s hamstring issues may cause him to slide in the draft. The Denver Broncos expect quarterback Bo Nix to be cleared for OTAs after ankle surgery. Stephon Gilmore, a former Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champion, announced his retirement after 13 seasons. Off the field, Puka Nacua of the Rams is addressing personal issues, and the Chicago Bears had their appeal for draft pick compensation denied by the NFL after losing executive Ian Cunningham to the Atlanta Falcons.
International Games and League Announcements
The Kansas City Chiefs are pushing to play an international game against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium this November. The official schedule will be released in May, but this matchup could mark a significant step in the NFL’s global expansion. The league also announced offseason workout dates for all teams, with mandatory minicamps and OTAs set to begin soon. These programs are crucial for integrating new players and preparing for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead: Draft Weekend and Team Preparations
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, teams are finalizing their boards and preparing for a busy weekend in Pittsburgh. The focus remains on securing franchise quarterbacks, adding playmakers, and shoring up defenses. With multiple trades expected and a deep pool of talent at key positions, the draft promises to reshape rosters and set the stage for the next NFL season. Fans can expect live coverage and plenty of surprises as teams jockey for position and make moves that will impact the league for years to come.