Full Breakdown
Raiders 2026 Training Camp Preview: New Coach, New Quarterbacks, and Roster Battles
7/24/2026, 10:29:46 PM
Core Event – Raiders Kick Off Training Camp
The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 training camp runs from July 29 at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada, with the first official practice on a Wednesday later that week.
Background & Context
After a 3-14 finish in 2025, the Raiders dismissed head coach Pete Carroll and hired former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The front office also signed Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to the highest-paid contract at his position. The team selected Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, creating a quarterback battle with veteran Kirk Cousins.
Key Figures & Groups
- Klint Kubiak – head coach, installing a new offensive system.
- Kirk Cousins – veteran quarterback, projected starter.
- Fernando Mendoza – No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback prospect.
- Aidan O’Connell – third-year quarterback competing for a roster spot.
- Maxx Crosby – All-Pro edge rusher, recovering from knee surgery.
- Tyler Linderbaum – anchor of the offensive line.
- Matt Gay – veteran kicker competing with undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa.
Timeline
- May 2 – Raiders sign one of the last two unsigned draft picks before camp.
- May 17 – Quarterbacks Mendoza and Cousins attend the Raiders Foundation gala.
- May 20 – Cousins and Mendoza run drills during organized team activities.
- May 29 – Mendoza throws while Cousins watches during OTAs.
- July 23 – Rookies report to camp.
- July 29 – Official start of training camp.
Data & Statistics
- Maxx Crosby posted 70 pressures and 16 sacks on 598 pass-block snaps in 2025; his knee rehab is ahead of schedule.
- Daniel Carlson finished 2025 with an 81.5 % field-goal rate, his lowest since 2018; Matt Gay recorded a 73.9 % rate.
- Rookie wide receiver Jalen Nailor logged 444 receiving yards last season.
- Running back Ashton Jeanty missed the 1,000-yard mark by 25 yards in his rookie year.
- The Raiders averaged a league-worst 14.2 points per game in 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
- Head coach Klint Kubiak said the staff will not rush Mendoza into the starting role, preferring to let him master the system first. Cousins is expected to start unless performance issues arise.
- Offensive line coach Rick Dennison highlighted continuity at tackle, keeping DJ Glaze and Kolton Miller together while hoping Glaze improves production.
- The organization reported that Maxx Crosby feels “great” and is ahead of schedule in his knee-rehab, suggesting he could be ready for the season start.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local coverage notes that the Raiders’ first practice will be held on Wednesday, with early attention on injuries to Crosby, linebacker Nakobe Dean, and rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy, all of whom missed most offseason sessions but are expected to be ready for camp.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- No definitive roster decision has been announced regarding whether the Raiders will keep three quarterbacks (Cousins, Mendoza, O’Connell) on the 53-man roster. Sources differ on the likelihood of O’Connell being released versus retained for depth or trade value.
- The kicker situation remains unresolved; while the team has not re-signed Daniel Carlson, Matt Gay’s field-goal percentage is lower than Carlson’s 2025 mark, leaving the final decision pending.
What’s Next
The Raiders will finalize their depth chart during the first two weeks of camp, with the quarterback hierarchy expected to solidify before the preseason begins in early September.
