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The Las Vegas Raiders have made one of the biggest decisions of training camp, and for now, they’re putting their trust in NFL experience over potential.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, first-year head coach Klint Kubiak has named veteran Kirk Cousins as the team’s starting quarterback ahead of their opening practice at training camp. While the decision isn’t necessarily permanent, it signals that the Raiders believe Cousins gives them the best opportunity to win right now, even with one of the league’s most highly anticipated rookies waiting in the wings.
MORE: Vikings to honor legend during 2026 NFL season
Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarteback Kirk Cousins (8) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kubiak made his stance clear about the quarterback competition. “When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback. He’s the guy, and he deserves it because he’s played really good football.”
The endorsement leaves little doubt about where things currently stand. Rather than keeping the competition open, Kubiak has publicly backed the veteran signal-caller after what has evidently been a strong showing throughout camp.
For a first-year head coach looking to establish stability, relying on an experienced quarterback is often the safest path.
MORE: Ranking 300-yard passers in 2025 NFL season
May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks during a news conference at the team’s Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
While Cousins winning the job isn’t shocking, the decision is noteworthy because of who he’ll be keeping on the bench.
Mendoza enters the NFL with enormous expectations after winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Quarterbacks chosen first overall are frequently expected to start immediately, making the Raiders’ decision somewhat unconventional.
Instead, Las Vegas appears content to let its prized rookie develop while learning behind an accomplished veteran.
Although Cousins will open as the starter, quarterback situations in the NFL can change quickly.
An injury, inconsistent play, or rapid development from Mendoza could alter the depth chart later in the season. The Raiders undoubtedly view their rookie as the future of the franchise, but they don’t appear to be in a rush to accelerate his timeline.
For now, the message from Kubiak is clear: Kirk Cousins has earned the starting job, and the Raiders are confident in his ability to lead the offense. As for Mendoza, his NFL debut may have to wait while he begins his professional career from the sidelines and prepares for the opportunity that will inevitably come.
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According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, first-year head coach Klint Kubiak has named veteran Kirk Cousins as the team’s starting quarterback ahead of their opening practice at training camp. While the decision isn’t necessarily permanent, it signals that the Raiders believe Cousins gives them the best opportunity to win right now, even with one of the league’s most highly anticipated rookies waiting in the wings.
MORE: Vikings to honor legend during 2026 NFL season
Kirk Cousins Earns the Job
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Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarteback Kirk Cousins (8) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kubiak made his stance clear about the quarterback competition. “When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback. He’s the guy, and he deserves it because he’s played really good football.”
The endorsement leaves little doubt about where things currently stand. Rather than keeping the competition open, Kubiak has publicly backed the veteran signal-caller after what has evidently been a strong showing throughout camp.
For a first-year head coach looking to establish stability, relying on an experienced quarterback is often the safest path.
MORE: Ranking 300-yard passers in 2025 NFL season
Top Overall Pick Begins Career as Backup
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May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks during a news conference at the team’s Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
While Cousins winning the job isn’t shocking, the decision is noteworthy because of who he’ll be keeping on the bench.
Mendoza enters the NFL with enormous expectations after winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Quarterbacks chosen first overall are frequently expected to start immediately, making the Raiders’ decision somewhat unconventional.
Instead, Las Vegas appears content to let its prized rookie develop while learning behind an accomplished veteran.
Could the Situation Change?
Although Cousins will open as the starter, quarterback situations in the NFL can change quickly.
An injury, inconsistent play, or rapid development from Mendoza could alter the depth chart later in the season. The Raiders undoubtedly view their rookie as the future of the franchise, but they don’t appear to be in a rush to accelerate his timeline.
For now, the message from Kubiak is clear: Kirk Cousins has earned the starting job, and the Raiders are confident in his ability to lead the offense. As for Mendoza, his NFL debut may have to wait while he begins his professional career from the sidelines and prepares for the opportunity that will inevitably come.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
