The Las Vegas Raiders used the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Fernando Mendoza, but Klint Kubiak is not handing the rookie control of the offense when the team takes the practice field at the end of July.
“When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback,” Kubiak said. “He’s the guy, and he deserves it because he’s played really good football. But I want Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell to push him.”
The declaration also reflects the familiarity between Cousins and Kubiak, who worked closely together in Minnesota from 2019 through 2021. That shared history gives the Raiders a veteran quarterback who already understands Kubiak’s system and can steady the offense while Mendoza develops at a more measured pace.
Cousins, however, is coming off an uneven final season with Atlanta.
He completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions across 10 appearances, including eight starts. His 6.4 yards per attempt and limited downfield production reflected his struggles, but he also produced encouraging stretches late in the season.
Cousins threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns against Tampa Bay, completing 68.2% of his passes without an interception. He also delivered efficient performances against the Jets, Cardinals and Rams, providing some evidence that he can still run an offense effectively when protected and playing within structure.
The Raiders are betting Kubiak can help Cousins rediscover that consistency.
Kubiak has built a strong reputation for quarterback development. He was part of Brock Purdy’s rise from the final pick of the draft into an established NFL starter and later helped Sam Darnold become a more efficient quarterback before leading Seattle to a Super Bowl championship.
Darnold improved his completion percentage, yards per attempt, expected points added per attempt and success rate under Kubiak. He also got the ball out faster while maintaining an explosive passing element, even as his interception total increased.
That background should benefit both Cousins and Mendoza.
Mendoza arrives after leading Indiana to a 16-0 season and a national championship while winning the Heisman Trophy. His anticipation, accuracy and ability to layer throws made him the clear top quarterback in the draft.
He also possesses the composure and preparation habits expected from a future franchise quarterback. Mendoza decisively attacked his first read in Indiana’s RPO-heavy offense and consistently delivered in high-pressure situations.
That said, his transition will still require patience. Mendoza was rarely asked to progress to third and fourth reads in college, occasionally left clean pockets and must improve his recognition of pressure. Kubiak’s offense will demand greater command of full-field concepts and protections.
That makes Cousins a logical opening-day starter, even if the arrangement proves temporary.
Mendoza is widely expected to start games as a rookie, and every strong practice could accelerate that timeline.
The Raiders belong to Mendoza in the long term. For now though, Cousins has the first chance to prove the transition does not need to begin immediately.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
