Kirk Cousins hopes to earn starting QB job in first season with Raiders

Kirk Cousins would welcome the opportunity to be the starting quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders this season.

He just wants to earn it.

Cousins signed Monday with the Raiders despite the likelihood the team will add Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in the draft this month.

“I think we all want to play, but I made it clear to (coach Klint Kubiak) that the best player needs to play,” Cousins said at his introductory news conference Wednesday. “If that’s not me, I don’t want to be out there.

“I don’t think that’s the best thing for the team. But if I’m the best option, I believe it’s important that those guys are out there.”

The 14-year veteran had spoken openly about working with Mendoza during an appearance on NFL Network earlier in the day but amended his rhetoric to a more theoretical tone during the news conference when answering questions about the possibility of playing together.

“I’ve watched him from a distance,” Cousins said. “He had an incredible college career. I got to run into him (Tuesday) during his draft visit. He seems like a high-caliber person, and if we’re fortunate enough to get him here, it will be a privilege to work together.”

The most likely scenario involves Cousins starting at the beginning of the season and mentoring Mendoza until the organization decides Mendoza is ready to go.

“I’m excited to get the chance to lead and help influence in the locker room and do my part and do my role,” Cousins said. “Most importantly, just helping the team win.”

Cousins still believes he can do that on the field.

He insists he is rejuvenated and once again found his passion for the game when he started the final seven games of last season for the Falcons, winning the final four games.

Even though he will be 38 years old when the season begins, Cousins says he still feels like there is a chance his best football is ahead of him.

“I certainly feel that way, but I’ve got to go prove it,” he said. “To just stand up here in April and say, ‘Oh yeah, my best football is ahead of me.’ That’s a pretty empty comment. But I believe that. It doesn’t really matter what I believe, though. I’ve got to go show that on the field this fall and even this spring, in practice and in training camp. But that’s a big reason why I’m excited to be here, is I do want to finish strong.”

“We always talk in football, in games and practices and careers, start fast, finish strong. And, you know, I really want to finish my career strong, and I’ve got an opportunity to do that here in Vegas and want to make the most of it.”

Thomas returns

The Raiders brought back tight end Ian Thomas on a one-year deal, the team announced Wednesday.

The 29-year-old appeared in 15 games, including 10 starts for the Raiders last season. He had 13 catches for 114 yards.

Thomas spent his first seven years with Carolina and has 132 catches for 1,176 yards in 114 NFL games.