Raiders rumors: Kirk Cousins 'expected' to be named starter for Week 1
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The Las Vegas Raiders may be delaying their quarterback announcement, but the expected outcome is becoming increasingly clear.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, people both inside the Raiders’ facility and around the NFL expect Kirk Cousins to eventually be named the Week 1 starter.
"People I've talked to inside the Raiders building and league-wide with other teams, expect Kirk Cousins to be named the starter eventually."
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—@JFowlerESPN on the Raiders' starting QB role 👀 pic.twitter.com/rYusotgmnZ
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 28, 2026
“People I’ve talked to inside the Raiders building and league-wide with other teams, expect Kirk Cousins to be named the starter eventually.”
Head coach Klint Kubiak appears willing to let the competition continue through the end of the preseason. An official decision may not arrive until next week or the days leading into Las Vegas’ regular-season opener. Still, starting Cousins makes far too much sense.
The veteran quarterback has extensive experience and would give the Raiders a stable option while Mendoza continues developing. Immediately throwing the rookie into the lineup could damage his confidence and development, especially if the offense experiences early struggles.
Las Vegas is not expected to compete seriously for a playoff spot this season, giving the organization little reason to rush its potential quarterback of the future. The AFC is too loaded this season. Mendoza should play only when Kubiak and his staff believe he is prepared — not because the fan base wants to see the rookie immediately.
Cousins may no longer be a long-term solution, but he can help the offense function while allowing the Raiders to evaluate the rest of their roster. If he struggles or the team falls out of contention, Las Vegas can turn to Mendoza later in the season under less pressure.
Related: Kirk Cousins is obvious Raiders QB1 over Fernando Mendoza, and that’s OK
Related: Raiders’ Klint Kubiak fully absolves Fernando Mendoza of blame for opening-drive INT vs. 49ers
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