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Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The announcement, made during his media availability at the team\u2019s facility, provides clarity heading into training camp. It also underscores the organization\u2019s measured approach with its highly touted rookie, who inked a four-year contract worth $57.27 million on July 23.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \nThanks for the submission!\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/template><\/p>\n \u201cWe as coaches, we’re gonna see who the best guard is, the best quarterback, across the board,\u201d Kubiak said. \u201cThere’s battles everywhere on the roster. It’s important for me to be fair to the players to put the best player out there.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2022 <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n \u201cWhen 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor<\/a> for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While Fernando Mendoza<\/a> may not be handed an early opportunity to unseat Kirk Cousins<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve put a lot on his plate in this offseason,\u201d Kubiak said. \u201cWe expect a lot out of him as these practices start coming. So, the thing that stands out to me is, he\u2019s going to have plenty of adversity like his teammates.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 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\u2019s standing with the team hinges on his ability to help them win immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cHis leadership, his veteran presence, the way that he played in the spring was excellent,\u201d Kubiak said. \u201cWe brought him here to play really good football. Obviously, the mentorship, that\u2019s a byproduct of that. That\u2019s the kind of guy that Kirk is.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cBut Kirk knows, and Fernando (Mendoza) knows, and Aiden (O’Connell) knows, and Jacob (Clark) knows they\u2019re here to play great football. That\u2019s our job as coaches to get them ready for the other stuff.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 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\u2019 Super Bowl run last season as offensive coordinator, the expectations in Las Vegas ahead of the 2026 season are sky-high.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/div>\nKlint Kubiak explains what Kirk Cousins offers<\/h2>\n