HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — In a move that was widely anticipated, Kirk Cousins has been officially named the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders as they prepare to kick off their season at home against the Miami Dolphins on September 13. Coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the decision on Wednesday, signaling confidence in Cousins as he enters his 15th NFL season.
Cousins has been at the helm of the first-team offense throughout the preseason, while rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who was selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick, primarily took snaps with the second unit. The Raiders have opted to retain three quarterbacks on their roster, with Aidan O'Connell also returning for his fourth season in the league.
“I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks,” Kubiak stated. “Kirk’s had a really good offseason, a very good (training) camp, and he’s earned it.” This endorsement from Kubiak highlights Cousins' performance and leadership during training camp, which played a crucial role in securing his starting position.
The Raiders signed Cousins to a two-year contract worth $20 million, with $20 million guaranteed. His previous team, the Atlanta Falcons, will cover $8.7 million of his salary for the current season. The decision to bring Cousins to Las Vegas was partly aimed at allowing Mendoza to acclimate to the NFL without the immediate pressure of leading the offense.
While Cousins is expected to take charge on the field, he is also seen as a mentor for Mendoza, who has shown promise but also some inconsistency during the preseason. Cousins boasts a career record of 88-77-2 as a starter, with his most notable achievement coming in 2022 when he led the Minnesota Vikings to a 13-4 record.
“I think you can see the constant things in ... film study,” Kubiak noted regarding Cousins’ growth. “Where I’ve seen him grow is in his leadership and his command.” This evolution in Cousins' game will be vital as the Raiders look to build on their previous season.
As the Raiders gear up for their season opener, the focus now shifts to how they will manage Mendoza's development. Kubiak emphasized the importance of preparing Mendoza for when he might be called upon during the season, a challenge compounded by Cousins taking most of the first-team reps.
“Every player that is not starting the first game, then they’re helping us on the (scout) team,” Kubiak explained. “We’re just trying to find every edge we can find to continue to get him better and his teammates better.” When pressed on whether Mendoza would see playing time this season, Kubiak remained non-committal, stating simply, “We’ll get to Miami first.”
In addition to the quarterback situation, the Raiders are also monitoring the health of running back Ashton Jeanty, who sustained an injury during practice on August 23. Kubiak expressed optimism about Jeanty’s availability for the opener, saying, “Yes,” when asked if he believed Jeanty would play against the Dolphins. If Jeanty is unable to go, rookie Mike Washington Jr. is poised to step in after a strong preseason performance.
However, the team will have to contend with the loss of defensive end Keyron Crawford, a third-round draft pick, who has been ruled out for the season due to an Achilles injury. Kubiak acknowledged Crawford's hard work and potential, stating, “He’s come a long way... he’ll continue to develop even this year.” As the Raiders prepare for their season opener, they will need to navigate these challenges while aiming for a successful start against Miami.
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