Kirk Cousins Wins Raiders Starting QB Job
HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins their Week 1 starter, head coach Klint Kubiak announced last week. The 38-year-old beat out rookie first-round pick Fernando Mendoza for the job, and Cousins will lead the Raiders onto the field Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Cousins, entering his first season with the Raiders after a rocky end to his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, said winning the starting job was never the ultimate goal. "It's less important to me than what you do after that first snap," Cousins said. "I think it's all about this entire season and winning the long game, and not just about the start of the season."
The decision comes as the Raiders look to rebound from a 3-14 season and usher in a new era under Kubiak. While Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, represents the franchise's future, the coaching staff believes Cousins gives them the best chance to compete immediately.
Why Cousins Got the Nod
Kubiak pointed to Cousins' leadership and command of the offense as the deciding factors. "He's starting for a reason," Kubiak said. Cousins has spent 15 seasons in the NFL, most of them in variations of the Shanahan-style offense the Raiders are now running. He previously worked with Kubiak in Minnesota, first as his quarterbacks coach and later as his play caller.
Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko outlined the job description for Cousins: "Complete the football, get us into the right plays, get us out of bad plays, don't make bad plays worse." That approach was evident in the preseason, when Cousins averaged 2.32 seconds to throw, the third-fastest mark among quarterbacks with at least 10 attempts, according to TruMedia.
The Raiders also believe Cousins' presence will accelerate Mendoza's development. "When (quarterbacks) have a guy in front of them that they can look up to and they can see how something's done, that's going to accelerate their growth," Kubiak said.
A Better-Than-Expected Supporting Cast?
Questions about how long Cousins can hold off Mendoza persist, but the veteran may have more help than expected. Pro Football Focus recently ranked the Raiders' offensive line 18th in the league, a respectable mark for a team coming off a 3-14 season. PFF's Gordon McGuinness highlighted the signing of center Tyler Linderbaum, the highest-paid center in football, as a potential game-changer for the run game. He also noted that left tackle Kolton Miller was on pace for a career year before a season-ending injury limited him to four games in 2025.
"Look for this to be an ascending group in 2026, and one with serious potential to move up these rankings throughout the season," McGuinness wrote. If the line improves, Cousins could have the time and protection to execute Kubiak's offense effectively, giving the Raiders a chance to exceed low external expectations.
The Stakes: A Bridge Quarterback with Something to Prove
Cousins' arrival in Las Vegas marks a dramatic career turn. Less than two seasons ago, he lost his starting job with the Falcons, and it was unclear whether he would get another opportunity to start in the NFL. Now, he is tasked with stabilizing a franchise that has struggled to find consistent quarterback play since Derek Carr's departure.
The Raiders' succession plan is clear: Cousins is the bridge, and Mendoza is the future. But how long that bridge lasts depends on Cousins' performance and the team's results. If he struggles, pressure to hand the reins to the rookie will mount quickly. If he thrives, the Raiders could find themselves in an unexpected quarterback controversy — the kind that arises when a veteran plays too well to bench.
For now, Cousins is focused on the present. "It's all about this entire season and winning the long game," he said. The long game begins Sunday against Miami.
Broader Implications: A Prove-It Season for Veteran QBs
Cousins' situation reflects a broader NFL trend: veteran quarterbacks signing short-term deals to bridge the gap between rebuilding and contention while highly drafted rookies wait their turn. The Raiders are betting that Cousins' experience and mastery of Kubiak's system will keep them competitive while Mendoza develops.
It is a calculated risk. Cousins turns 39 next offseason, and Father Time remains undefeated. But if he can replicate the form he showed in Minnesota — where he threw for over 4,000 yards in 2022 — the Raiders might have found a steady hand to guide their transition. If not, the Mendoza era could begin sooner than expected.
Either way, all eyes will be on Cousins when he takes the field Sunday. For a quarterback who once wondered if he would ever start again, the opportunity is both a second chance and a final test.
Comments