Kirk Cousins to start for Raiders as Fernando Mendoza sits on bench
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 6:02 PM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders when the 2026 season opens, while first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza will begin the season on the bench. The decision to start Cousins was made months prior and is supported by key decision-maker Tom Brady. Former NFL coach Herm Edwards criticized the move, arguing that quarterbacks should not be treated differently than other positions. Mendoza, drafted as the first pick, is expected to develop under Cousins' guidance until he is ready to take the field.
- •Kirk Cousins officially named starting QB for Raiders in 2026.
- •First-overall pick Fernando Mendoza will learn from the sidelines.
- •Tom Brady reportedly supports the decision to start Cousins.
- •Herm Edwards voices concern over benching quarterbacks early.
- •Cousins aims to provide mentorship to Mendoza throughout the season.
- 6:02 PMYahoo Sports — Klint Kubiak sends starting job warning to Kirk Cousins after Fernando Mendoza’s debut
- 8:06 AMNBCSports.com — Klint Kubiak: Raiders QB1 is Kirk Cousins’ job to lose - NBC Sports
- 2:40 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Don’t Babysit’ — Former NFL HC Takes Issue With Klint Kubiak’s Decision To Start Kirk Cousins Over Fernando Mendoza
"When the 2026 season kicks off, Kirk Cousins will be under center for the Las Vegas Raiders, with first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza learning the game from the bench. The decision to start Cousins was made months in advance, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s on board with it.
"Kubiak said he liked what he saw from Fernando Mendoza in the preseason opener, but Cousins has been working with the first string and will continue to do so.
"Raiders coach Klint Kubiak will look forward to how Kirk Cousins defends his starting job from Fernando Mendoza throughout the 2026 campaign.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 6:02 PMKlint Kubiak sends starting job warning to Kirk Cousins after Fernando Mendoza’s debut
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak will look forward to how Kirk Cousins defends his starting job from Fernando Mendoza throughout the 2026 campaign.
- NBCSports.comAug 14, 2026, 8:06 AMKlint Kubiak: Raiders QB1 is Kirk Cousins’ job to lose - NBC Sports
Kubiak said he liked what he saw from Fernando Mendoza in the preseason opener, but Cousins has been working with the first string and will continue to do so.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 2:40 AM‘Don’t Babysit’ — Former NFL HC Takes Issue With Klint Kubiak’s Decision To Start Kirk Cousins Over Fernando Mendoza
When the 2026 season kicks off, Kirk Cousins will be under center for the Las Vegas Raiders, with first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza learning the game from the bench. The decision to start Cousins was made months in advance, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s on board with it.
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