Raiders Still Working Through All Levels of QB Competition

The Las Vegas Raiders are in the middle of a quarterback competition that will last as long as Klint Kubiak and company deem necessary.

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Las Vegas Raiders added two quarterbacks to the roster this offseason with a plan in mind to start veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. They were forthcoming about their plans to develop Mendoza behind Cousins until further notice.

Yet Klint Kubiak has been equally adamant that there is competition at nearly every position on the roster and that there is a legitimate quarterback competition. Tuesday's practice and Thursday night's preseason game against the Houston Texans added credence to that notion.

Competition Across the Board

Signing Cousins and drafting Fernando Mendoza, while also having veteran quarterback Aidan O'Connell still on the roster, solidified the position group. Las Vegas is more set at quarterback entering the 2026 season than they have been since at least the 2023 season.

Las Vegas has position battles going on at several positions on both sides of the ball. Yet, all eyes are on the Raiders' quarterbacks. Not only is it the most critical position on the field, but it is also the one position Las Vegas has had the most instability at in recent seasons.

All Three Signal Callers Have Had Their Moments

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

During training camp and the team's first two preseason games, each of Las Vegas' quarterbacks has had bright moments. Kirk Cousins has shown an early understanding of Kubiak's offense. The veteran quarterback led an efficient opening touchdown drive in Las Vegas' first preseason game.

Mendoza has played generally well in practice. The rookie had a solid first preseason game and a rocky second; both games showed his long-term potential. O'Connell led the Raiders to a 19-0 second-half run against the Texans on Thursday, staking his claim in the battle.

As the Raiders head into their final preseason game, a home matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, they are still trying to decide who will start at quarterback in Week 1. After acknowledging that the starting position is Cousins' to lose last week, Kubiak recently explained further.

"We got another week, we're playing. I don't anyone to be comfortable in their job. It should always be that way from all positions. We'll just keep going forward," Kubiak said following Thursday night's comeback win over the Texans, when asked about the Raiders' starting quarterback battle.

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) on the sideline during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

All three quarterbacks provide something different. Cousins provides experience in various offenses and prior history with Kubiak and Andrew Janocko. Mendoza possesses the best arm of the three quarterbacks; O'Connell is a solid backup quarterback in the National Football League.

Following Thursday night's win, Kubiak shared his thoughts on the position group, noting how well Mendoza and the other Raiders signal callers have prepared ahead of practices and preseason games.

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“I think if you sat in our quarterback meeting the night before the game, listened to him go through his progressions and reads and adjustments, I was very impressed with how prepared he has made himself,” Kubiak said. 

“That whole quarterback room, led by Coach [Mike] Sullivan and Andrew [Janocko], have done an excellent job of being prepared. I was pleased with watching the tape. I really like what he did on third down."

Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) runs off the field at the end of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Raiders' 17-point comeback win over the Texans may have only been a preseason victory, but it was Kubiak's first as a head coach, and it was largely led by the Raiders' offense. The 19-point second half was a sign of what the Raiders hope to be able to do regardless of who is at quarterback.

Kubiak was hired for his ability to create and sustain productive offenses. It will take further development at the quarterback position to ensure that happens. If Thursday was any indication, Las Vegas has the potential to stay afloat with any of the three quarterbacks on their roster.

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko (left) talks with quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza (15) and Kirk Cousins (8) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Following their win over the Texans, Kubiak put his first win as a head coach into perspective. His father, Gary Kubiak, is the Texans' all-time winningest head coach.

“It means a lot to our team, you know? We needed to have that game, especially after that first half. Seen flashes of that from our guys in practice. For them to go do it on a Thursday night game, that's very rewarding to see those young men play their hearts out in the second half," Kubiak said.