Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak settled the quarterback hierarchy for the start of training camp on Tuesday. The first-time head coach named veteran Kirk Cousins as the starter over 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza as his era sets for kickoff in Las Vegas.
The announcement, made during his media availability at the team’s facility, provides clarity heading into training camp. It also underscores the organization’s measured approach with its highly touted rookie, who inked a four-year contract worth $57.27 million on July 23.
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“We as coaches, we’re gonna see who the best guard is, the best quarterback, across the board,” Kubiak said. “There’s battles everywhere on the roster. It’s important for me to be fair to the players to put the best player out there.
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“When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback. He’s the guy, and he’s going to get a ton of reps. He deserves them because he’s played really good football. But I want Fernando (Mendoza) and I want Aidan (O’Connell) to push him.”
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While Fernando Mendoza may not be handed an early opportunity to unseat Kirk Cousins, the Raiders remain committed to his continued growth and development. Klint Kubiak discussed how they’ve tried to shape him for the NFL and the expectations over the next couple of weeks.
“We’ve put a lot on his plate in this offseason,” Kubiak said. “We expect a lot out of him as these practices start coming. So, the thing that stands out to me is, he’s going to have plenty of adversity like his teammates.”
Klint Kubiak explains what Kirk Cousins offers
Speaking further in his media availability, Klint Kubiak emphasized how valuable the mentorship and leadership of Kirk Cousins is to the quarterback room and the entire team. Nonetheless, the veteran’s standing with the team hinges on his ability to help them win immediately.
“His leadership, his veteran presence, the way that he played in the spring was excellent,” Kubiak said. “We brought him here to play really good football. Obviously, the mentorship, that’s a byproduct of that. That’s the kind of guy that Kirk is.
“But Kirk knows, and Fernando (Mendoza) knows, and Aiden (O’Connell) knows, and Jacob (Clark) knows they’re here to play great football. That’s our job as coaches to get them ready for the other stuff.”
Klint Kubiak is looking to hit the ground running almost immediately with the Raiders next season. After playing a crucial role in the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl run last season as offensive coordinator, the expectations in Las Vegas ahead of the 2026 season are sky-high.
Edited by Farouk Yusuf