New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has named veteran Kirk Cousins as his starting quarterback for the 2026 season, choosing him over rookie Fernando Mendoza, the team's No. 1 overall draft pick. The decision, confirmed as training camp gets under way, settles months of speculation about whether the Raiders would turn straight to their top pick or ease him in behind an experienced starter.

Cousins, a long-time NFL starter, arrives at the Raiders after previous stints elsewhere in the league, while Mendoza enters his rookie season as the team's highest-drafted quarterback in years. Kubiak's call suggests a preference for stability and experience under centre as he begins his first year in charge, with the possibility that Mendoza could eventually take over depending on performance and results once the season begins.