Overview
- Head coach Klint Kubiak said Tuesday that veteran Kirk Cousins will open training camp as the Raiders’ starting quarterback and will take the bulk of first-team reps.
- No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza will be eased into the offense with controlled reps in practice and targeted snaps in padded work and exhibition games to evaluate readiness.
- Coaches made clear the depth chart is not final and that preseason play, camp performance and any injuries will determine if and when the rookie supplants the veteran.
- Cousins’ deal provides guaranteed money mainly for 2026, giving the Raiders financial flexibility to change course if performance falls short and creating trade leverage for Aidan O’Connell’s contract year.
- The approach matches the franchise’s stated long-term plan to develop Mendoza behind an experienced signal‑caller while acknowledging Mendoza’s elite college résumé and the technical adjustments he must make to a pro offense.