Las Vegas Raiders HC Klint Kubiak just made a strong statement about the quarterback situation ahead of training camp
The Las Vegas Raiders have a quarterback battle taking place in training camp. And, it appears that Kirk Cousins is going to be the starter for now while Fernando Mendoza is the backup.
The Las Vegas Raiders are set to start training camp on Wednesday. So, everyone is asking rookie head coach Klint Kubiak about the quarterback battle. Will Fernando Mendoza be the starter? Or will it be Kirk Cousins? Kubiak got straight to the point.
“There’s gonna be times where it moves, certain guys with the this, ones, threes. We have an early plan,” Kubiak told reporters on Tuesday. “When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback. He deserves that, and he’s played really good football, but I want Fernando and Aidan to push him.”
Mendoza is the No. 1 overall pick for a reason. He’s won the Heisman Trophy and just won a National Championship with Indiana. He’s going to be the franchise guy. But that doesn’t mean he has to be that right away, especially if the team feels like he’s not ready. He will be ready at some point. Heck, Mendoza may even end up starting more games in 2026 than Cousins does.
Raiders can still win games with Kirk Cousins
Cousins, even after starting as a backup in Atlanta in 2025 and playing 10 games, performed well in advanced metrics. For instance, 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.
And their third-string QB, Aidan O’Connell, may be the best third-stringer in the league. He’s been a starter before and has won games before. If they decide to keep him, Vegas may have the best QB room in the league.