'He's earned it': Why Raiders named Kirk Cousins starting QB

In a much-anticipated decision, the Las Vegas Raiders named Kirk Cousins their starting quarterback for Week 1.

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak announced the news Wednesday, Sept. 2.

"He played really good football," Kubiak said, via the team's official website. "I'm really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk's had a really good offseason, very good camp and he's earned it."

Cousins will start the Raiders' season opener against the Miami Dolphins in Las Vegas.

"Where I've seen him grow is in his leadership and his command," Kubiak said of Cousins.

No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell will be the Raiders' backup quarterbacks.

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Why Raiders decided to start Kirk Cousins over Fernando Mendoza

Cousins' placement atop Las Vegas' quarterback depth chart was long expected despite the Raiders selection of Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Raiders brass have specified their intention to take a conservative approach with Mendoza as he transitions to the NFL. Kubiak said Raiders co-owner Tom Brady was involved in the decision.

"We lean on him for a lot of things. Talk to him multiple times a week. He's been extremely helpful for roster building, for schematics, for team building," Kubiak told reporters. "He's been an extremely impressive resource."

Mendoza showed some rookie growing pains during the preseason . The Indiana product completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards to go with one touchdown and two interceptions. Mendoza had some positive moments, but the speed of the game and some defensive coverages gave him trouble.

The Raiders decision to start Cousins is about comfort and familiarity to begin the season. Cousins knows Kubiak well from their days together in Minnesota. Kubiak was the Vikings quarterback coach (2019–2020) and offensive coordinator (2021) when Cousins was Minnesota's QB1.

The Raiders signed Cousins this offseason with the idea that he'll be a bridge quarterback and mentor. The Raiders' decision underscores they are moving forward with that plan.