Overview
- Klint Kubiak said he does not assign veterans to be mentors and framed the Raiders’ three quarterbacks as competitors who must each prepare to play at a high level.
- Kirk Cousins has taken the majority of first‑team reps in spring work and is viewed by reporters and executives as the leading candidate to start Week 1.
- Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, is being eased into the offense with controlled reps and says Cousins has been 'definitely helping' him learn game plans and situational details.
- Aidan O’Connell is being kept as roster insurance and could become a midseason trade asset if he continues to perform well in practice and preseason games.
- The final starter choice and any roster moves will hinge on pads‑on training camp and preseason live reps, with early Cousins struggles or rapid Mendoza progress likely to change the timeline.