Tom Brady-backed Kirk Cousins wins Raiders QB1 job over rookie Fernando Mendoza
Klint Kubiak has made his quarterback decision ahead of Las Vegas’ season opener against Miami
The Las Vegas Raiders have finally ended the uncertainty at quarterback, and their decision says as much about Fernando Mendoza ’s development as it does about Kirk Cousins ’ experience.
Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Wednesday that Cousins will start the 2026 season under center, giving the veteran the Week 1 assignment against the Miami Dolphins on September 13.
The move was widely anticipated after Cousins handled most of the first-team work during camp, but Kubiak had resisted making anything official until now.
Mendoza , the No.1 overall draft pick and presumed long-term face of the franchise, will begin his rookie year behind him.
The choice doesn't change how highly Las Vegas views Mendoza . It does, however, underline the patience the Raiders have preached since drafting him.
Why the Raiders can afford to wait on Mendoza
Mendoza arrived in Las Vegas after a remarkable final college season, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a national championship.
His first NFL preseason brought flashes of that promise, but also the inevitable mistakes of a rookie adjusting to the speed of the professional game.
The clearest example came against San Francisco, when Mendoza completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, threw an interception and took two sacks.
“It’s the NFL, there are monsters on the other side of the ball and you need to get the ball out quick,” Mendoza said afterward. “It teaches you, you need to play on time, and there's less margin for error.”
He then offered a line that summed up his approach to the learning curve: “Diamonds are built under pressure.”
Kubiak has repeatedly stressed that Mendoza needs repetitions rather than shortcuts. Earlier in the preseason, when asked what would help the rookie most, he gave a blunt answer... “Reps.”
That development will now continue without the pressure of immediately carrying the offense.
Tom Brady remains firmly in Mendoza’s corner
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady was an admirer of Mendoza long before Las Vegas selected him first overall.
“I love everything about his game,” Brady said after Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy. “His leadership is what stands out. His relatability to his teammates. He's overcome a lot of things in his career.”
Mendoza has since spoken about Brady ’s influence behind the scenes.
“Tom's given me a lot of advice - and I like to sometimes keep it close to the vest,” Mendoza said.
“He always says is that, hey, you're in your early 20s and making sure you do everything possible to be successful and, and to best serve your teammates and not let your teammates down.”
Cousins , entering his 15th NFL season, now gets the first chance to guide the Raiders after arriving in Las Vegas following two seasons with Atlanta.
Mendoza ’s turn still feels inevitable. The Raiders have simply decided there's no reason it has to come in Week 1.
