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Raiders Set to Start Season with Kirk Cousins Over Mendoza
Confirmed
In Short: The Las Vegas Raiders have named Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, while rookie Fernando Mendoza will sit on the bench.
The Las Vegas Raiders are set to start the 2026 season with quarterback Kirk Cousins as the starter, according to Silverandblackpride. This move signals a new era for the team, which struggled in the 2025 season, finishing with a 3-14 record and the worst offense in the NFL.
Former coach Pete Carroll was replaced, and the front office made significant changes to the quarterback room, signing Cousins and drafting Mendoza. Despite the team's poor performance, optimism is high as the Raiders believe they are moving towards a more stable and competitive future.
Klint Kubiak, the new coach, has praised Cousins for his experience and professionalism, stating that he will give the Raiders a chance to win. Meanwhile, Mendoza will continue to develop and prepare to take over as the starting quarterback in the future.
The Raiders' offensive unit gains stability with Cousins at the helm, especially behind an upgraded interior offensive line. However, the team faces challenges, including an inability to protect the football and win on the road, which led to the quick exit of head coach Pete Carroll.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Former Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy has joined Burnley until the end of the season.
- Burnley, relegated from the Premier League last season, have made a poor start back in the second tier and have not won in five matches under new boss Nicky Hayen.
- This year, optimism reigns for the Raiders as they have new pieces that could prove that its endless rebuilding phase is drawing to a close and that a fresh era in Sin City is underway.
- Robert Griffin III joins Jason McIntyre to discuss Kirk Cousins being named the Las Vegas Raiders’ starter over Fernando Mendoza, and whether or not Jaxson Dart will breakout with the New York Giants this season.
- The Raiders suffered through a miserable 2025 campaign, finishing dead last in the division with a 3–14 record and securing the No.
- A drought on offense held the team back, as Las Vegas scored an NFL-worst 241 points on the season.
- The front office then completely reshaped the quarterback room, making two massive moves: signing four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins in free agency to a multi-year deal, and drafting top quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza with the No.
- That did spell the end of time for Garner Minshew on the roster, but with Cousins and Mendoza, I doubt they will miss him.