Raiders name Kirk Cousins starter over first-round draft pick Fernando Mendoza
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 7:55 PM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders have designated Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback for the team’s regular-season opener. Head coach Klint Kubiak selected the veteran based on his performance throughout the offseason and training camp. Despite Fernando Mendoza being the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the organization plans to utilize him as a backup while he adjusts to the professional level. Analyst Vincent Bonsignore has criticized the decision, arguing that the rookie should gain playing time to facilitate his development. Kubiak defended the choice by citing Cousins’ command of the offensive scheme and his ability to process reads quickly. The team intends for this arrangement to provide a stable transition period for the rookie quarterback.
- •Kirk Cousins will start for the Raiders during the Week 1 regular-season opener.
- •Fernando Mendoza remains on the bench despite being the No. 1 overall draft pick.
- •Head coach Klint Kubiak cited the veteran's 14 years of experience and lack of turnovers as key factors.
- •Analyst Vincent Bonsignore suggests the team should play Mendoza to avoid stalling his development.
- •The coaching staff maintains that the current setup allows the rookie to settle into the professional game.
- 7:55 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders Warned Against Keeping No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza on Bench Behind Kirk Cousins
"The Las Vegas Raiders picked quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the no. 1 overall pick from the 2026 NFL draft. But as it turns out, despite being the first pick, Mendoza will not be the starting quarterback for the Raiders. The Raiders have announced that they will rather have Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback. Which […] The post Raiders Warned Against Keeping No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza on Bench Behind Kirk Cousins appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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