Raiders Coach Confirms Kirk Cousins as Starting QB for Camp

WHO:

ESPN - Klint Kubiak is the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

ESPN - Aidan O'Connell is also mentioned as a quarterback competing for the position.

Sportskeeda - Klint Kubiak is the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

NY Post - Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback named by Klint Kubiak.

FF Today - Fernando Mendoza is the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

WHAT:

ESPN - Kubiak stated, "He's the guy, and he deserves it because he's played really good football," referring to Kirk Cousins.

ESPN - Kubiak noted that Cousins played the majority of the first-team reps during the offseason program and looked "excellent."

ESPN - Kubiak mentioned that the distribution of reps among quarterbacks will be a "moving target."

Sportskeeda - Klint Kubiak announced that Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders as training camp begins.

NY Post - Kubiak stated, “When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback,” confirming the decision.

FF Today - Kubiak emphasized that he wants both Fernando Mendoza and Aidan to push Cousins during training camp.

Sportskeeda - Klint Kubiak named Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback for training camp over first overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

FF Today - Kubiak stated, "I want Fernando and Aidan to push him," referring to the competition for the starting quarterback position.

Sportskeeda - Klint Kubiak confirmed Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback for training camp.

NY Post - Kubiak stated, “When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback.”

FF Today - Kubiak announced that Cousins will start over Mendoza at the beginning of training camp.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - The announcement pertains to the Las Vegas Raiders' training camp.

WHEN:

NY Post - The Raiders' training camp practices are set to begin at the end of July 2026.

WHY:

ESPN - Kubiak's philosophy is to have a young quarterback learn behind a veteran rather than being handed the offense immediately, a belief shared by general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady.

FF Today - Kubiak believes in having a young quarterback learn behind a veteran rather than being handed the offense immediately.

HOW:

ESPN - Kubiak indicated that they put a lot on Mendoza's plate during the offseason and expect a lot from him as practices begin.

FF Today - The organization has committed to a veteran-first approach at the quarterback position.

Klint Kubiak has been named the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, and he highlighted Kirk Cousins as the standout quarterback, stating, "He's the guy, and he deserves it because he's played really good football." Kubiak also mentioned that Cousins took the majority of first-team reps during the offseason and looked "excellent," while the distribution of reps among quarterbacks will be a "moving target." His coaching philosophy emphasizes having a young quarterback learn from a veteran, a view supported by general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady, as they expect a lot from Mendoza as practices kick off.