Kirk Cousins is officially QB1 for the Las Vegas Raiders, while Fernando Mendoza waits in the wings. But how long will the veteran keep the rookie off the field?
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Cousins has won the Raiders’ starting quarterback job, beating out Mendoza in an open competition. Kubiak said the competition made everyone better, crediting Cousins’ urgency for pushing both Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell throughout the offseason. He also pointed to growth in Cousins’ leadership and command as the clearest development he’s seen in their years working together.
If you’re paying attention, this matters for Las Vegas on a few levels.
First, it settles a depth chart question that had lingered since draft night, when the Raiders spent the top pick on Mendoza. Starting Cousins signals the front office wants immediate competence under center. They’re not rushing a rookie into Week 1. It’s a defensible bet, given Cousins’ track record as a starter.
This also puts real weight on how the team manages Mendoza’s development without game reps. Kubiak laid out the plan himself: extra early and late work, more meetings, and reps on the scout team opposite the first-team defense. All of it is designed to keep Mendoza’s growth on track while he waits.
The Raiders were always going to start Kirk Cousins…
On the cap side, this decision has real stakes too. Cousins carries a significant salary, and starting him validates that investment in the short term, but it also raises the question of how long the bridge to Mendoza actually is. If Cousins plays well, the Raiders get stability and cover for Mendoza to develop at a normal pace. If he struggles or gets hurt, the pressure to turn to the rookie will be immediate and loud, especially with a fan base eager to see its new franchise quarterback on the field.
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What happens next is worth watching closely. Expect the Raiders to frame this as a season-long plan, not a one-game decision. But also expect the leash to shorten fast if Cousins hits a rough patch. Mendoza’s ceiling makes him the more interesting story for most of the fan base, regardless of how camp went.
One thing is certain. The clock on this bridge started the moment Kubiak named his starter. Every rough series from here will be measured against how close Mendoza is to ready.
*Top Photo: Getty Images