Kirk Cousins Named Raiders' Week 1 Starter, Fernando Mendoza to Begin Season on Bench

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback for the team's 2026 regular season opener against the Miami Dolphins, which is scheduled for September 13. This decision means that Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will start his rookie season on the bench.

The choice ends speculation about the quarterback competition and aligns with the Raiders' initial strategy to have Cousins lead the offense while Mendoza develops. Kubiak noted that Cousins performed well during the offseason and training camp, earning the starting role.

Despite the pressure to play Mendoza due to his draft status, Kubiak emphasized that the decision was based on performance rather than draft position. Additionally, Kubiak consulted with minority owner Tom Brady multiple times during the decision-making process, highlighting Brady's influence in shaping the team's future direction.