Full Breakdown
Raiders Launch 2026 Training Camp Amid Coaching Shuffle and Quarterback Contest
7/24/2026, 9:47:36 PM
Core Event: Camp Schedule and Venue
The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 training camp runs from July 29 to Aug. 29 at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nev.
Background & Context
The offseason brought a dramatic shift on the sidelines: Pete Carroll was replaced by Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, now head coach. In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders selected Heisman Trophy quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, setting up a potential rivalry with veteran Kirk Cousins. The team also spent more on free agency than any other franchise, notably signing Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, the highest-paid at his position.
Key Position Battles
- Quarterbacks – Cousins is projected to start, but Mendoza received extensive reps in spring practices and will get first-team reps in camp. Backup Aidan O’Connell could serve as insurance or a trade asset.
- Offensive Line – Right tackle DJ Glaze (70 pressures and 16 sacks on 598 pass-block snaps in 2025) returns, and the staff favors continuity with him and Kolton Miller. Second-year guard Caleb Rogers may challenge the incumbents.
- Edge Rush – Maxx Crosby reports feeling “great” in rehab from offseason knee surgery and may see a limited snap count alongside Kwity Paye and Malcolm Koonce.
- Cornerbacks – Rookie Jermod McCoy is expected to be a full participant after knee rehab, potentially overtaking Darien Porter.
- Kicking – After the team declined to retain Daniel Carlson (2025 field-goal percentage 81.5%), competition centers on veteran Matt Gay (career 84.3%, 73.9% in 2025) and undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa (“The Tokyo Toe”), who went 27-of-29 in 2025 and matched the FBS record with 25 consecutive makes.
- Long Snapper – Both Alex Ward (three seasons with the Rams) and Tyler Duzansky (2023 nation-leading long-snapper tackles) are vying for the role.
Data & Statistics
- Maxx Crosby: 70 pressures, 16 sacks on 598 pass-block snaps in 2025.
- Daniel Carlson: 81.5% field-goal success in 2025.
- Matt Gay: 73.9% in 2025; career-long 84.3% accuracy.
- Kansei Matsuzawa: 27-of-29 field goals in 2025; 25-consecutive-made record.
- Jalen Nailor: 444 receiving yards last season.
- Ashton Jeanty: Finished rookie year 25 yards shy of 1,000 rushing yards.
- Quay Walker: 128 tackles, 12 pressures and 10 run stuffs.
Official Statements & Responses
Raiders officials said key defensive pieces—Maxx Crosby, linebacker Nakobe Dean, and rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy—are expected to be ready early for camp, underscoring the team’s health focus ahead of the season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Coaching staff praised Mendoza’s progress in spring drills but stressed he must become comfortable with the offensive system before assuming a starting role. Special-teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis highlighted Matt Gay’s experience and his role in helping Matsuzawa refine technique during the competition.
Why It Matters
The combination of a new head coach, a top-draft quarterback, and significant roster upgrades signals a potential shift in the Raiders’ offensive identity. Continuity on the offensive line aims to improve protection for both Cousins and Mendoza, while the revamped special-teams roster reflects a strategic move away from the Carlson era.
What’s Next
The first practice is slated for Wednesday, marking the start of a month-long camp. The Raiders will aim to solidify their quarterback hierarchy, finalize the kicking competition, and establish a cohesive offensive line before the season opener against the Miami Dolphins in mid-September.
