Raiders name Kirk Cousins starter for training camp

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed on Tuesday, July 28, that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will open training camp as the team's starting quarterback, while the No. 1 overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, continues his development. The announcement solidifies the team's planned approach for the upcoming season.

Kubiak stated that Cousins has earned the role based on his past performance and will lead the first-team offense when practices begin. He also emphasized that both Mendoza and fourth-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell are expected to compete and push Cousins for the job. The decision reflects a strategic balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term investment in the rookie franchise quarterback.

Cousins, 37, signed a one-year contract with the Raiders in April. He brings extensive experience and a prior working relationship with Kubiak from their time together with the Minnesota Vikings, which the team believes will provide stability for the offense. Cousins is coming off a 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons where he showed flashes of effectiveness but also inconsistency, finishing with 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five...