Klint Kubiak opens up on the league’s worst-kept secret happening in Las Vegas this offseason with the Raiders
There’s a quarterback battle in Las Vegas with the Raiders, but I think everyone knows that there’s a huge chance Mendoza does not start Week 1.
The Las Vegas Raiders have the worst-kept secret going on in Henderson, Nevada, at their facility. There’s a quarterback “battle” going on between veteran QB Kirk Cousins and rookie, No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. The worst-kept secret is that it’s not really a battle—everyone knows Cousins is most likely starting in Week 1.
The “battle” just started. The Raiders have started OTAs, and while no, it’s not training camp against live competition with tackling or pads, it’s still the start of the competition. Right now starts when they are being evaluated side by side.
“It’s been solid. Coach [Andrew] Janocko and Coach [Mike] Sully [Sullivan] do a great job in that room,” Kubiak told reporters on Wednesday. “But two really competitive guys, I’ve been really pleased with their work ethic. Aidan [O’Connell] has been phenomenal. I can’t say enough great things about him.”
As currently constructed, when you look at all three positions, the Raiders actually have a good QB room.
Kubiak reveals how the quarterback battle will play out
There will come a time when the “battle” will need a final decision by the head coach. Of course, as we said, it’s pretty well known by now that Cousins is probably the Week 1 starter. However, that doesn’t mean that Mendoza can’t win the battle and show he’s the better QB.
“It’s going to reveal itself, especially in training camp,” Kubiak said. “But it’s going to reveal itself here in these next how many do we have? Eight OTAs, these minicamp practices. But yeah, we definitely would, but let the players figure that out for us with their tape.”
The Raiders will go with Cousins first, and he’s still good enough to win ball games. He posted an 89.5% Catchable Ball Percentage (seventh-best among players with 100+ attempts) and a 78.1% On Target Percentage (sixth-best), demonstrating strong accuracy.
Cousins is still an accurate thrower. However, now success depends on fitting within the right system, calling the right plays, and having strong support. His familiarity with Kubiak from their time in Minnesota in 2023 helps ensure a smooth transition. Ultimately, the Raiders got the two quarterbacks they wanted, and Cousins has shown he’s committed to helping Mendoza.