Yet, the team still signed veteran starter Kirk Cousins despite locking Mendoza into a guaranteed deal worth more than $50 million. Yet the team will ride with Cousins as he attempts to keep his job, while the rookie continues to impress with daily improvement in camp. Cousins in Firm ControlDuring this year’s camp, Cousins appears to be in full control of the offense and the starting job. “The Raiders want to keep Mendoza on the sideline until he’s ready … but also until they are ready for him. The Long GameIf Cousins can hold the ‘Raiders’ starting job, it will force Mendoza to study more deeply.