Kirk Cousins Is Already Las Vegas's Top Gun and Nobody in the AFC West Saw It Coming

Seattle, can you even believe what’s already cookin' out in Vegas? Kirk Cousins, the guy they just splashed cash on, is already practically running the show for the Raiders! We're talking *first quarterback on the field* at OTAs, like he owns the place. Ryan McFadden over at ESPN dropped the bomb: Cousins is looking like the hands-down favorite to start Week 1, and it feels like a done deal already. This ain't just some boring report, folks. This is a potential tectonic shift for one of our AFC West rivals, and you know what? It’s got my Emerald City heart pumpin'!

Cousins is Locking Down the Raiders' QB1 Spot ALREADY

Yeah, you heard that noise right. According to McFadden's report, Cousins was out there slingin' it ahead of Aidan O'Connell and even Fernando Mendoza, their hyped-up number one overall pick! Now, Coach Klint Kubiak hasn't officially crowned his starter yet. But seriously, what do you expect? Cousins rolls in with all that grizzled NFL veteran savvy, plus he's already familiar with Kubiak's playbook. It’s an absolute no-brainer for right now. Mendoza, who Kubiak praised as "as advertised," definitely has time to close the gap before Week 1, but it sure feels like the Raiders are banking on that seasoned experience to kick off 2026. This isn't just a small edge, it's a full-blown statement from day one, and you gotta wonder if it's gonna light a fire under those young guns in Vegas. As a Seattle fan, you watch this and think, "Man, competition is fierce everywhere!"

Elsewhere in the League: Injury Returns and Gritty Position Battles

Meanwhile, across the league, other teams are battling their own early-season dramas. Over in Pittsburgh, Broderick Jones, a tackle they were counting on, is set to work both sides of the offensive line once he gets past this nagging neck injury. The poor dude missed the last seven games of last season, including the playoffs, which is just brutal. And get this: Adam Schefter from ESPN isn't even sure if Jones will be cleared for training camp or even Week 1. Talk about high stakes! They even declined his fifth-year option back in April. That's a cold, hard dose of reality in the NFL. You get injured, and the team starts drafting your replacements, like the two other OTs they picked in the last three drafts. It’s a full-on fight for a starting spot there. For us 12s, this is just a sharp reminder of how absolutely critical offensive line health and depth are. And here’s a comeback story to cheer for: DeWayne Carter, the Buffalo Bills' defensive tackle, is back participating in OTAs after missing all of 2025 with a torn Achilles. That's one of the toughest injuries in sports, so seeing him back on the field is pure grit! He even packed on some serious muscle, tipping the scales at 330 pounds. Remember, this dude played in 11 games his rookie year, snagging 14 total tackles and a pass defensed. He's clearly ready to compete for meaningful reps at nose tackle, which just proves that incredible determination is powering players all over this league, even when we're focused on our own awesome Seahawks.

The Early Season Grind is REAL, Folks, And It's Just Getting Started!

Look, it’s still early, but man, the storylines are already exploding across the NFL. From a veteran like Cousins locking down a starting job way ahead of schedule against a top pick, to guys like Jones fighting tooth and nail for their professional future, and Carter making a heroic return from a devastating injury, every single day in the NFL counts. We’re watching the very foundations of what could be an absolutely wild regular season unfold, seeing who steps up and who stumbles right out of the gate. You just know that every team is pushing hard, and we, as dedicated Seattle fans, are keeping our eyes glued to all the drama. It’s gonna be a heck of a ride, folks, and I seriously can't wait to see what else goes down!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.