The Las Vegas Raiders have officially named Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, as reported by CBS Sports senior reporter Matt Zenitz. This decision leaves Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, starting his professional career as Cousins' backup.

First-year head coach Klint Kubiak, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, has favored a strategy that allows young quarterbacks to learn from seasoned veterans. Kubiak's approach underscores the importance of development for Mendoza, especially after his impressive yet inconsistent preseason performance.

Key highlights from the preseason include:

• Kirk Cousins: 13 of 17 passing for 101 yards and one touchdown.
• Fernando Mendoza: Completed 25 of 45 pass attempts (55.6%) for 240 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

Kubiak expressed confidence in Cousins, stating, "I just think he's taking practice to the field... I see a guy that's leading the offense." Despite Mendoza's flashes of potential reminiscent of his national championship run at Indiana, he struggled with the transition to the NFL, which ultimately influenced Kubiak's decision to stick with the veteran.

This choice, while significant, aligns with Kubiak’s philosophy and the Raiders' long-term vision for quarterback development.