The Las Vegas Raiders have officially named veteran Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the NFL season, confirming that 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will open his rookie season on the sidelines as the backup.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the decision ahead of the team’s regular-season opener at home against the Miami Dolphins on 13 September 13.
“Kirk’s going to be the starting quarterback,” Kubiak announced. “He played really good football. I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good off-season, a very good camp and he’s earned it.”
Cousins, 38, brings a wealth of experience to the Raiders with more than a decade of starting experience across stints with Washington, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Atlanta Falcons.
Cousins signed with the Raiders in April after two seasons in Atlanta, where he threw for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 10 appearances in 2025.
During the preseason, Cousins solidified his grip on the job by completing 76.4 percent of his passes (13 of 17) for 101 yards and a touchdown across two exhibition starts.
Behind him sits Mendoza, whom Las Vegas selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft after a historic college campaign with Indiana, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Hoosiers to a College Football Playoff national championship.
“Mendoza’s time is coming, but he’s got to earn it every day, and he knows that,” said Raiders general manager John Spytek.
“I think we’re all very pleased with the person and his work ethic and his commitment to being a great quarterback.”
