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40 clusters · 180 sources · 141 days · First seen · Last updated

Kirk Cousins named Raiders starter for 2026 season

Overview

As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for the 2026 NFL season, head coach Klint Kubiak has officially named veteran Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback for the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 13. The decision follows a preseason competition between Cousins, rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, and Aidan O’Connell.

Cousins, entering his 15th season, signed a contract that includes $20 million in guaranteed money. Kubiak noted that Cousins earned the position through a strong offseason and training camp, citing his leadership and command of the offense. This move is intended to provide stability and mentorship to Mendoza—a former Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana—who will serve as the primary backup. Mendoza becomes the first No. 1 overall pick since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to not start his rookie season.

Recent reports highlight Cousins’ performance during the preseason, where he completed 76.5 percent of his passes for 101 yards and one touchdown.

Regarding other roster developments, running back Ashton Jeanty is expected to be available for Week 1 despite an ankle injury. However, rookie defensive end Keyron Crawford has been placed on injured reserve due to an Achilles injury. The organization also confirmed the selection of Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round following advocacy from the coaching staff.

As the team navigates a rebuilding phase following a 3-14 season, concerns have emerged regarding roster depth. While the starting linebacker tandem of Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker is considered strong, both players have significant histories of missed games due to injury. The performance of depth players such as Cody Lindenbergh, Tommy Eichenberg, and Segun Olubi during the preseason has been described as inconsistent, potentially leaving the defense vulnerable.

Entities

Fernando Mendoza · Las Vegas Raiders · Kirk Cousins · Klint Kubiak · John Spytek

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. 7 days ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders focus on rebuilding amid roster depth concerns

    The Las Vegas Raiders are navigating a rebuild centered on coach Klint Kubiak and rookie QB Fernando Mendoza, though concerns persist regarding linebacker depth and injury risks.

  2. 8 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Kirk Cousins named Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback

    Kirk Cousins has been named the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders for the season opener against the Miami Dolphins, beating out rookie Fernando Mendoza for the role.

  3. 10 days ago

    [SPORTS] 19 sources
    Kirk Cousins named Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback

    Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has named veteran Kirk Cousins the starting quarterback for Week 1, opting for experience over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

  4. 17 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders conclude training camp with long-term rebuild focus

    The Las Vegas Raiders have completed training camp with a focus on a long-term rebuild aiming for 2028 playoffs, highlighting quarterback Fernando Mendoza's growth and future draft needs.

  5. 18 days ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders evaluate Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza

    The Las Vegas Raiders are weighing veteran Kirk Cousins against rookie Fernando Mendoza for the starting quarterback role, with Troy Aikman praising Mendoza's high potential.

  6. 22 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders quarterback situation centers on Cousins and Mendoza

    Kirk Cousins is expected to start the season for the Las Vegas Raiders, though rookie Fernando Mendoza remains a key figure in the team's quarterback rotation depending on performance and team success.

  7. 25 days ago

    [SPORTS] 11 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders manage quarterback transition with Cousins and Mendoza

    The Las Vegas Raiders are navigating a quarterback dynamic between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza during preseason preparations and joint practices with the Houston Texans.

  8. 27 days ago

    [SPORTS] 11 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders evaluate roster and rookies after preseason loss

    Following a preseason loss to the Cardinals, the Las Vegas Raiders are evaluating rookie QB Fernando Mendoza and several standout undrafted free agents while adjusting the roster with veteran DT Foley Fatukasi.

  9. 29 days ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Kirk Cousins discusses mentoring rookie Fernando Mendoza

    Kirk Cousins shared a collaborative philosophy regarding mentoring rookie Fernando Mendoza with the Las Vegas Raiders, favoring mutual feedback over the competitive approaches of past legends.

  10. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 63 sources
    NFL preseason: Mendoza shines for Raiders while Love faces injury

    NFL preseason action features a strong debut by Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza and an impressive but injury-hampered performance by Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love.

  11. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders name Kirk Cousins starter ahead of preseason

    The Las Vegas Raiders have named veteran Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback on their unofficial depth chart, placing rookie Fernando Mendoza as the second-string option ahead of the preseason opener.

  12. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    AFC updates: Raiders sign Kirk Cousins and Chiefs rookies advance

    The Las Vegas Raiders have signed Kirk Cousins to secure their quarterback position ahead of rookie Fernando Mendoza, while Kansas City Chiefs rookies Jadon Canady and Cyrus Allen are making early impacts.

  13. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders training camp showcases rookies and roster changes

    Raiders training camp sees rookie QB Fernando Mendoza’s early struggles, versatile use of Kwity Paye, and roster cuts adding TE Chris Myarick; Brock Bowers shines, while Broncos’ Jahdae Barron flops.

  14. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders assess rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza in training camp

    Raiders project a youthful roster and monitor rookie QB Fernando Mendoza, whose work ethic and command of the offense are praised despite a rough practice, as he learns behind starter Kirk Cousins.

  15. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 21 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza embraces QB2 role as Kirk Cousins starts

    Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza accepts a backup role behind starter Kirk Cousins, while the team makes roster moves adding TE Zack Kuntz and reinforcing the running back group.

  16. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 17 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders name Kirk Cousins starter over rookie Fernando Mendoza

    Klin​t Kubiak says veteran Kirk Cousins starts as Raiders QB, with rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza behind him; Mendoza will get limited reps while learning.

  17. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders sign No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza as Jamal Adams heads to Vikings

    The Raiders signed No. 1 pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza after a contract delay, while ex‑Raider Jamal Adams joined the Vikings, fitting the Vikings’ defensive scheme.

  18. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders Highlighted in Player Rankings and Coaching Plans

    Raiders appear on a state‑by‑state NFL greats list and Jon Gruden touts Kirk Cousins as mentor for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

  19. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders sign No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza

    The Raiders signed No. 1 draft pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza to a $57 M contract and saw veteran Maxx Crosby arrive early at camp, sparking fan excitement.

  20. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 25 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders sign No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza to $57 million rookie deal

    Raiders signed 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to a four‑year, fully guaranteed $57.27 million contract, completing their draft class; he will develop behind veteran Kirk Cousins.

  21. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Raiders set veteran Kirk Cousins as starter before rookie Fernando Mendoza

    Kirk Cousins joins the Raiders on a $20 M deal and is slated to start before rookie Fernando Mendoza, who may debut mid‑season; his wife shares a rare family photo on Instagram.

  22. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 9 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders Face Quarterback Decision as No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza Joins Team

    The Raiders drafted No. 1 pick QB Fernando Mendoza, sparking a QB showdown with veteran Kirk Cousins and mentorship from owner Tom Brady, who even bought a rare rookie card.

  23. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza praises the team's 'crazy' fans

    Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza praised the team's loyal, “crazy” fan base on a podcast, while the franchise continues to address recent fan‑behavior concerns at Allegiant Stadium.

  24. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders draft picks and rookie quarterback draw attention

    The Raiders’ 2024 draft pick of Brock Bowers and a suggested redraft for Byron Murphy II, plus the 2026 No. 1 overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza and his admiration for Tom Brady, underscore the team’s on

  25. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders bolster roster and staff as rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza receives praise and new recruiting aid

    Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean praises rookie QB Fernando Mendoza’s aura, while GM John Spytek adds former Notre Dame recruiter Jourdan Blake to the front office to aid team building.

  26. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza lauded by Hall of Famer Tim Brown

    Tim Brown praises the Raiders’ 2026 offseason and calls rookie QB Fernando Mendoza “dynamic,” while analysts say he is unlikely to start Week 1, positioning him as a backup initially.

  27. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza gets Brady advice, contract delay

    Raiders drafted Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall; he received Tom Brady’s leadership advice, works with Kirk Cousins, and faces a contract signing‑bonus delay amid mixed fan and analyst reactions.

  28. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders plan to start Kirk Cousins while developing rookie Fernando Mendoza

    The Raiders will start veteran Kirk Cousins this season and slowly develop rookie Fernando Mendoza as their future quarterback, per coaches and former GM.

  29. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders prioritize rookie quarterback development as wide‑receiver options are debated

    The Raiders focus on rookie QB Fernando Mendoza’s development, while debate continues over signing veteran WR Stefon Diggs to improve receiver depth.

  30. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza files Star Wars‑themed trademark

    Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza seeks the starter role and files a “Nandolorian” trademark, sparking a potential clash with Star Wars rights owners.

  31. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders develop rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza

    First‑overall pick Fernando Mendoza impresses in Raiders minicamps, but veteran Kirk Cousins is set to start while the team develops the rookie for future quarterback duties.

  32. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza praised by Maxx Crosby

    Raiders drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall; veteran Maxx Crosby praised him, while Kirk Cousins may serve as a backup as the team rebuilds.

  33. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders Emphasize Optimism Around Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza

    Raiders rebuild under coach Kubiak sees optimism from Maxx Crosby and praise for rookie QB Fernando Mendoza from Brock Bowers as the team seeks AFC competitiveness.

  34. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Raiders eye rookie Fernando Mendoza with Kirk Cousins as backup

    The Raiders plan to hinge their offense on rookie Fernando Mendoza, with veteran Kirk Cousins as a backup, while assessing tough quarterback match‑ups ahead.

  35. 4 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza graduates and shines in OTAs

    Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders’ No. 1 draft pick and Heisman winner, graduated from Cal and impressed coaches during OTAs, while veteran Kirk Cousins mentors him.

  36. 4 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders consider Kayshon Boutte trade, eye rookie QB Mendoza

    Raiders mull a low‑round trade for Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte while veteran Kirk Cousins backs rookie Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza for future QB duties.

  37. 4 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Las Vegas Raiders eye rookie Japanese kicker and offseason upgrades

    Raiders add Japanese rookie kicker Kansei Matsuzawa and new QB Fernando Mendoza, with GM John Spytek touting a strong offseason.

  38. 4 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza charms fans at NFLPA rookie event

    Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza impressed fans with a generous catch drill at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

  39. 5 months ago

    [SPORTS] 51 sources
    Raiders eye Fernando Mendoza as expected top pick ahead of 2026 NFL draft

    Mendoza is poised to be the Raiders’ No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, with buzz, a stay-at-home plan, and top-pick mockups.

  40. 5 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Bills and Raiders outline draft needs ahead of NFL selections

    Bills face multiple needs with limited draft picks; Raiders target defensive backs, using the No. 1 pick plus depth in the secondary.

Sources

1075thefan.com · 3082.nl · africanews.com · al.com · anglophone-direct.com · archysport.com · areyoupop.com · babsolute.com.au · barnraisingmedia.com · battlefordsnow.com · bezpretlac.cz · bleacherreport.com · blessedtheophany.com · brobible.com · ca.sports.yahoo.com · californiaherald.com · CBSSports.com · cfjctoday.com · chatnewstoday.ca · chicitysports.com · clutchpoints.com · deadspin.com · deseretnews.com · diario21.com.mx · dose.ca · dynastynerds.com · easternherald.com · elitesportsny.com · eonline.com · ESPN · Essentially Sports · essentiallysports.com · eurydice.org · excelsior.com.mx · faceoff · Fansided · fanSided.com · fantasylabs.com · fantasypros.com · fbschedules.com · firestickhacks.com · fox7austin.com · Foxnews.com · foxsportsshop.com · gatewaytoindia.com · goodgardeners.com · greekgateway.com · heavy.com

This summary has been updated 19 times: see revision history