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Las Vegas Raiders name Kirk Cousins starter over rookie Fernando Mendoza
Head coach Klint Kubiak announced that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback for the opening practice of training camp. The decision places the No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza behind Cousins, with rookie Aidan O’Connell also on the depth chart. Kubiak said Cousins “deserves” the first‑team reps but added that Mendoza and O’Connell should push him and that the quarterback rotation will remain fluid. Cousins, who signed with the Raiders in April on a contract guaranteeing only the 2026 season, will receive the bulk of early reps, while Mendoza is expected to see fewer first‑team snaps as he learns behind the veteran. The camp also noted that pass‑rusher Maxx Crosby is cleared to practice after knee surgery.
Entities
2026 NFL Draft · Aidan O'Connell · Aidan O’Connell · Fernando Mendoza · Kirk Cousins · Klint Kubiak · Las Vegas Raiders · Madden NFL 27
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Klint Kubiak has a track record of developing quarterbacks, previously helping Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold improve their performance.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. www.thebiglead.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kirk Cousins completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in the 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kirk Cousins and Klint Kubiak previously worked together in Minnesota from 2019 through 2021.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a 16‑0 season and national championship before entering the NFL.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Head coach Klint Kubiak announced that Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback for the Raiders' opening practice. www.thebiglead.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In Madden NFL 27, Fernando Mendoza received an overall rating of 74, placing him outside the top‑10 rookie ratings.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The top‑10 rookie ratings in Madden NFL 27 ranged from 78 to 79 overall.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The top‑10 rookie ratings in Madden NFL 27 range from 78 to 79 overall.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak named Kirk Cousins the starting quarterback for the team's opening practice of training camp. www.thebiglead.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Klint Kubiak previously worked with Kirk Cousins in Minnesota from 2019 through 2021.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] EA Sports gave Fernando Mendoza a 74 overall rating in Madden NFL 27, placing him outside the top‑10 rookie ratings.