In a decisive move, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has officially named Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback for the upcoming 2026 season. This announcement came during Kubiak's press conference on Wednesday, where he confidently stated, “Kirk’s going to be the starting quarterback.”
Despite the announcement, Cousins did not participate in Wednesday's practice, taking a scheduled rest day. This decision aligns with the team's strategy to develop their first-round draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick. Throughout the offseason, the Raiders' management has emphasized the importance of allowing Mendoza to learn and grow before stepping onto the field as a starter.
During Cousins' absence from practice, Mendoza received valuable first-team reps, which Kubiak noted were crucial for the rookie's development. “Live reps are the best medicine, so that was very helpful for him,” Kubiak remarked, highlighting the significance of hands-on experience for the young quarterback.
While some may view Cousins' promotion to the starting role as a default decision, Kubiak expressed his admiration for the veteran quarterback's performance during training camp. “He’s played really good football,” Kubiak stated. “I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, really good camp. And he’s earned it.”
Kubiak also reflected on the competitive nature of the quarterback position, noting that the competition among Cousins, Aiden O’Connell, and Mendoza has elevated their performances. “I think [competition] made Kirk better, it made Aiden better, it made Fernando better. That’s the nature of the position — it’s the most competitive position in the free world. And those guys all improved the roster through their play this offseason,” he explained.
The Raiders are set to kick off their 2026 season against the Miami Dolphins on September 13, marking an important moment for the team as they look to build on their previous campaigns. With Cousins at the helm, the Raiders aim to establish a strong offensive presence and make a significant impact in the league.
Leave a Comment