Raiders coach names starting QB ahead of training camp

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 ...