Overview
- Klint Kubiak formally named Kirk Cousins the Raiders’ starting quarterback on Tuesday and said Cousins will get heavy reps when camp begins.
- The team signed Cousins to a two‑year deal before the April draft to supply immediate experience and a short‑term starter option.
- No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza remains the franchise plan for the future and has publicly said he believes he can win the QB1 job.
- The Raiders deliberately limited Mendoza’s early first‑team work in spring practices and will use live, pads‑on camp work and preseason games to judge whether he moves into the lineup.
- The decision balances player development, roster and contract costs, and on‑field competitiveness, and could shift quickly if Mendoza outperforms Cousins in live settings.