Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Starting Quarterback Over Fernando Mendoza

The Raiders named veteran Kirk Cousins their Week 1 starter over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza to open the 2026 season.
Cousins, 38, a four-time Pro Bowler on a two-year, $12.6M deal, impressed in camp and preseason (76.4% completions, 101 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) and earned the job.
Mendoza — the 2025 Heisman winner — saw preseason action (240 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 55.5% completions), setting up a ripe rookie-veteran storyline ahead of the Sept. 13 home opener vs. Miami.