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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 begin the year on the bench.
Following a disappointing 2025 season, the Raiders have made significant changes to their quarterback room, signing four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins and drafting Mendoza. According to reports, new coach Klint Kubiak made the announcement that Cousins will start the season, while Mendoza will continue to develop on the bench. The team hopes that Cousins' experience can provide stability and a chance to win.
Offensively, the Raiders aim to improve with Cousins leading the team. The veteran quarterback, who has played for Kubiak in the past, is expected to give the Raiders a better chance of success. Meanwhile, Mendoza is set to start his career, with the expectation that he will eventually take over as the starter.
Despite the optimism surrounding Cousins, the team faces challenges on both sides of the ball. The Raiders have made other moves to strengthen their roster, but the defense is facing its own issues, particularly with the performance of rookie defensive end Keyron Crawford.
The NFL's compensation committee has also approved a new contract extension for Commissioner Roger Goodell, keeping him in the role through the 2030 season. However, the focus remains on the Raiders' upcoming season, with all eyes on whether Cousins can lead the team to a better start than in 2025.
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.
- An inability to protect the football, win on the road, or generate consistent quarterback play ultimately led to a quick, one-and-done exit for head coach Pete Carroll after the season finale.
- 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.