An AFC assistant coach told ESPN's Dan Graziano they "honestly believe" Aidan O'Connell would open the season as the Raiders starting quarterback over Mendoza if Cousins was unable to do so. "I honestly believe that if something were to happen to Cousins, they'd start Aidan O'Connell before Mendoza right now," an AFC assistant coach said. "They absolutely do not want to rush [Mendoza]." Despite the Raiders' desire not to rush Mendoza, it's extremely rare for a first-round pick at quarterback, let alone the No. Cousins signed with the Raiders in free agency with the expectation he would be the starter in 2026.