# Kirk Cousins named Raiders starter for 2026 season > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-draft-chatter-coalesces-around-a-top-pick-and-a-ravens-interior-line-upgrade > Updated: 2026-09-04T15:00:03.000Z. Sources: 180. Developments: 40. 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. ## Claims - Kirk Cousins will be the Raiders' starting quarterback for the opening practice of training camp. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Head coach Klint Kubiak announced that Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Fernando Mendoza was selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft and is a Heisman Trophy winner. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Aidan O'Connell is also on the Raiders' quarterback depth chart and is urged to push Cousins. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Fernando Mendoza was selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Klint Kubiak announced Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders opening practice. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Pass‑rusher Maxx Crosby is cleared to practice after recovering from knee surgery. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Fernando Mendoza is the No. 1 overall draft pick for the Raiders and has shown early hiccups in training camp. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Las Vegas Raiders are traveling to Houston for joint practices with the Houston Texans. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Fernando Mendoza is the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Head coach Klint Kubiak announced that Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback for the Raiders' opening practice. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: 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. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-focus-on-rebuilding-amid-roster-depth-concerns ### 2026-09-04: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirk-cousins-named-las-vegas-raiders-starting-quarterback ### 2026-09-02: 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. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-provide-updates-on-mendoza-and-washington-jr ### 2026-08-25: 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. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-conclude-training-camp-with-long-term-rebuild-focus ### 2026-08-24: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-weigh-veteran-kirk-cousins-against-rookie-fernando-mendoza ### 2026-08-21: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-quarterback-situation-centers-on-cousins-and-mendoza ### 2026-08-17: 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. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-hold-joint-practices-with-houston-texans ### 2026-08-15: 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. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-mendoza-debuts-for-las-vegas-raiders-in-preseason-loss ### 2026-08-13: 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. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirk-cousins-discusses-mentoring-rookie-fernando-mendoza ### 2026-08-11: 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. 63 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-mendoza-makes-impressive-nfl-preseason-debut-with-raiders ### 2026-08-09: 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. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nfl-preseason-kicks-off-with-rookie-debuts-and-raiders-roster-updates ### 2026-08-07: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afc-updates-raiders-sign-kirk-cousins-and-chiefs-rookies-advance ### 2026-08-04: 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. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-weigh-qb-trade-prospects-while-emphasizing-defensive-lineman-jonah-laulus-role ### 2026-08-02: 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. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-assess-veteran-running-backs-while-overhauling-offensive-line-in-training-camp ### 2026-07-30: 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. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-quarterback-fernando-mendoza-embraces-backup-role ### 2026-07-28: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-name-kirk-cousins-starter-over-no-1-draft-pick-fernando-mendoza ### 2026-07-27: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-sign-no-1-pick-fernando-mendoza-as-jamal-adams-heads-to-vikings ### 2026-07-26: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-highlighted-in-player-rankings-and-coaching-plans ### 2026-07-24: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-sign-no-1-draft-pick-fernando-mendoza ### 2026-07-22: 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. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raiders-rookie-contracts-in-focus-as-top-pick-mendoza-disputes-bonus ### 2026-07-19: 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. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raiders-set-veteran-kirk-cousins-as-starter-before-rookie-fernando-mendoza ### 2026-07-17: 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. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-mendoza-faces-qb-competition-with-kirk-cousins-on-raiders ### 2026-07-07: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raiders-qb-fernando-mendoza-praises-the-teams-crazy-fans ### 2026-07-07: 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 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-draft-picks-and-rookie-quarterback-draw-attention ### 2026-06-28: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-bolster-roster-and-staff-as-rookie-quarterback-fernando-mendoza-receives-praise-an ### 2026-06-25: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-rookie-qb-fernando-mendoza-lauded-by-hall-of-famer-tim-brown ### 2026-06-20: 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. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-mendozas-polished-image-and-rookie-start-spotlighted-by-raiders ### 2026-06-20: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-plan-to-start-kirk-cousins-while-developing-rookie-fernando-mendoza ### 2026-06-19: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-prioritize-rookie-quarterback-development-as-widereceiver-options-are-debated ### 2026-06-10: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-rookie-quarterback-fernando-mendoza-files-star-warsthemed-trademark ### 2026-06-10: 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. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-qb-race-kirk-cousins-leads-over-rookie-fernando-mendoza ### 2026-06-04: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-rookie-quarterback-fernando-mendoza-praised-by-maxx-crosby ### 2026-06-02: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-emphasize-optimism-around-rookie-qb-fernando-mendoza ### 2026-05-31: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raiders-eye-rookie-fernando-mendoza-with-kirk-cousins-as-backup ### 2026-05-23: 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. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-rookie-quarterback-fernando-mendoza-graduates-and-shines-in-otas ### 2026-05-19: 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. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-consider-kayshon-boutte-trade-eye-rookie-qb-mendoza ### 2026-05-16: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/las-vegas-raiders-eye-rookie-japanese-kicker-and-offseason-upgrades ### 2026-05-16: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raiders-rookie-quarterback-fernando-mendoza-charms-fans-at-nflpa-rookie-event ### 2026-04-20: 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. 51 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raiders-eye-fernando-mendoza-as-expected-top-pick-ahead-of-2026-nfl-draft ### 2026-04-17: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bills-and-raiders-outline-draft-needs-ahead-of-nfl-selections --- Cite as: Kirk Cousins named Raiders starter for 2026 season. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-draft-chatter-coalesces-around-a-top-pick-and-a-ravens-interior-line-upgrade