Raiders Announce Kirk Cousins as Week 1 Starting Quarterback

<p>Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced on September 2, 2026, that Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback for the team's Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins. This decision means that rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will start his career as a backup.</p><p>Kubiak stated, "(Cousins has) played really good football, I’m really happy with all three of (the) quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp, and he’s earned it," during a press conference.</p><p>When asked about the possibility of Mendoza playing this season, Kubiak redirected the focus to the upcoming game against the Dolphins.</p><p>Raiders general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady have supported the idea of allowing a rookie to develop behind a veteran quarterback, which aligns with the decision to start Cousins.</p><p>Spytek commented on Mendoza's performance, saying, "He’s a tireless worker. He loves football. He loves his teammates. He’s energetic on the field. He’s self-critical. He’s self-aware. He’s very accurate." He added that Mendoza's time will come, but he must continue to earn it daily.</p><p>Spytek also discussed the team's approach to developing young quarterbacks, referencing successful examples such as Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love, and Patrick Mahomes, who all had varying paths to becoming starters.</p><p>Kubiak noted that Brady has been a valuable resource in making decisions regarding the starting quarterback.</p><p>Cousins signed a two-year contract with the Raiders after being released by the Atlanta Falcons. He had a challenging tenure with the Falcons, including being benched in Week 15 of the 2024 season for rookie Michael Penix Jr. Cousins started eight games last season, achieving a 5-3 record, including winning the last four games.</p><p>In the previous season, Cousins completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. He ranks 19th in NFL history for regular-season passing yards with 44,700 and 15th for passing touchdowns with 298.</p><p>Cousins has prior experience with Kubiak from their time together with the Minnesota Vikings, where Kubiak served as Cousins’ quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.</p><p>Cousins will aim to leverage this familiarity when the Raiders face the Dolphins in their season opener.</p>