Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Starting QB Over Rookie Fernando Mendoza

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced on Tuesday that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be the starter when practice begins on Wednesday. Kubiak said the move reflects Cousins’ performance in the offseason program and will allow rookie Fernando Mendoza, the first-overall pick, and backup Aidan O’Connell to push the veteran.

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Kubiak reiterated a long-standing belief—shared by general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady—that a young quarterback should develop behind an experienced starter rather than assume full control immediately. The approach aims to give Mendoza exposure to first-team reps while preserving competitive pressure within the quarterback group.

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• Kirk Cousins – veteran quarterback, entering his 15th NFL season.

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• Fernando Mendoza – 2024 first-overall draft pick, rookie quarterback.

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• Aidan O’Connell – backup quarterback competing for reps.

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• Klint Kubiak – Raiders head coach, former offensive coordinator for Cousins in Minnesota.

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• John Spytek – Raiders general manager.

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• Tom Brady – Raiders minority owner.

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During the 2021 season when Kubiak served as offensive coordinator, Cousins threw for 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns, a passer rating of 103.1 and a 66.3 % completion rate, earning a Pro Bowl selection. Across his six-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings under Kubiak’s coaching, Cousins accumulated 12,089 passing yards, 94 touchdowns, 26 interceptions and a 67.6 % completion rate.

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• “When we go out to practice [on Wednesday], Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach

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• “There's going to be times where certain guys are with [the second team], certain guys are with the [third team], and the second guy is with the [first team].” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach

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• “I would say [Cousins'] value as a player on our team is the most important thing,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach

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