The Las Vegas Raiders have officially named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the starter for their Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on September 13. Head coach Klint Kubiak announced the decision, ending a competition between Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza, who won a national championship and the Heisman Trophy during his single season at Indiana, was selected by the Raiders in April. The team also signed Cousins, a former Pro Bowl selection with the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons, to a one-year, $11.3 million contract earlier that month.
Both quarterbacks shared snaps throughout the Raiders' preseason games as they vied for the starting position. Kubiak had previously stated that all three quarterbacks on the roster were prepared to play, noting that difficult decisions would be made regarding the depth chart.
Despite the competition, the Raiders will carry three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, with Aidan O'Connell also making the team. The Raiders will face the Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium to open their 2026 NFL season.