Cousins: Best player should start

During his introductory news conference with the Raiders, Cousins acknowledged he'd like to continue starting but emphasized team-first mentality. 'The best player needs to play,' he told reporters. 'If that's not me, I don't want to be out there.'

The 37-year-old, who has made 167 career starts, met Mendoza during a pre-draft visit and was impressed with the Heisman Trophy winner's 'natural feel' for the position. Cousins remains the early favorite to start, with coach Klint Kubiak preferring rookie quarterbacks to develop behind veterans.