Raiders Stick with Kirk Cousins as Week 1 Starter; Mendoza to Wait

The Las Vegas Raiders have made their decision: Kirk Cousins will lead the offense in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, as announced by head coach Klint Kubiak on Wednesday. The move, while anticipated, officially delays the much-hyped NFL debut of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Veteran Presence Wins the Day

Kubiak was effusive in his praise for Cousins during the announcement, stating, “He’s played really good football. I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp and he’s earned it.” The decision comes as no surprise to those who have followed the Raiders’ offseason. Cousins, who signed a one-year deal with Las Vegas after a solid stint with the Atlanta Falcons, was brought in to provide stability and mentorship for Mendoza. Last season with the Falcons, Cousins posted a 5-3 record as a starter, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

For Cousins, this marks his fourth NFL team and his 15th season in the league. At 38 years old, his role is clear: bridge the gap and guide Mendoza through the rigors of professional football. Kubiak had previously hinted at the possibility of a competition, but the veteran’s consistency throughout training camp and the preseason sealed the deal.

Mendoza’s Learning Curve

Mendoza, meanwhile, has shown flashes of brilliance but also the expected growing pains of a rookie. In preseason action, he threw a costly interception against the Houston Texans and another on his second play against the San Francisco 49ers, finishing that game 7-of-14 for 57 yards. Kubiak acknowledged the rookie’s development needs, saying, “He needs another three preseason games. All those rookies do, and now that the season’s starting, the practice reps get smaller, and that’s just life. But as coaches, we’ve got to get them ready to play, keep developing them.”

The Raiders’ investment in Mendoza is substantial. After a historic season at Indiana, where he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated record and a national championship victory over Miami, Mendoza claimed the Heisman Trophy with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His transition to the NFL was always going to require patience, and the Raiders are committed to letting him develop at his own pace.

Looking Ahead

As Kubiak embarks on his first season as head coach, there’s no urgency to rush Mendoza into the lineup. The Raiders are rebuilding, and Cousins provides a steady hand to navigate the early part of the schedule. While fans clamor for a glimpse of the future, the organization is focused on long-term success. Mendoza’s time will come — but for now, it’s Kirk Cousins’ show in Las Vegas.