The Las Vegas Raiders have officially made their decision at quarterback.
Head coach Klint Kubiak announced Wednesday that Kirk Cousins will be the Raiders’ starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, ending the team’s quarterback competition between Cousins, rookie Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell.
The decision had been expected by many around the Raiders, but Kubiak waited until September to officially name his starter. Cousins impressed throughout training camp and the preseason, ultimately earning the opportunity to lead Las Vegas into the regular season.
“He played really good football,” Kubiak said. “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.”
Cousins, 38, enters his 15th NFL season with an extensive résumé. The veteran quarterback has made 167 career starts while throwing for 44,700 yards and 298 touchdowns. He joined the Raiders in April after spending the previous two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
His preseason performance also helped strengthen his case. Cousins completed 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown across two preseason appearances, showing the Raiders that he could provide stability as the team begins the 2026 campaign.
The biggest storyline surrounding the decision, however, may be what it means for Mendoza.
The Raiders selected Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after he won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to an undefeated national championship season. Despite his enormous potential, Mendoza will begin his NFL career as Cousins’ backup.
General manager John Spytek has made it clear that the Raiders still view Mendoza as a major part of their future. For now, the organization believes the best path for the young quarterback is to learn behind an experienced veteran rather than immediately throwing him into the starting role.
Cousins will now prepare for his first regular-season game in Silver and Black when the Raiders host Miami on September 13.
The decision gives Las Vegas an experienced quarterback to begin the season while allowing its prized rookie to develop at his own pace.
For Cousins, it’s another opportunity to prove he can still lead an NFL offense. For Mendoza, the wait begins.
And for Raiders fans, the biggest question may not be who starts Week 1, but how long Cousins remains the starter before the future takes over.
