Update on Raiders’ Starting Quarterback Conversation

Here is the latest on how the coaching staff is handling the quarterback situation heading into training camp.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It has been non-stop news surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, with the team entering the 2026 season with a completely new image and culture.

Las Vegas' quarterback situation has been a storyline throughout the offseason, with Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza atop the depth chart. While fans would love to see the No. 1 overall pick under center as soon as possible, according to Tom Pelissero, who made an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," that is something that fans shouldn't expect.

Pelissero's Thoughts

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

• "I would say this, not much shocks me in this league," Pelissero said. "I would be very surprised if Fernando Mendoza starts out the gate. Klint Kubiak said this way back in the spring that he believes in allowing a young quarterback to sit. There's a big transition in terms of coming from that Indiana offense, very much RPO-based, and you're throwing into wide-open windows. It's not under center. There's a bunch of things that he needs to get better at, and you brought in Kirk Cousins, who's got a history with Klint Kubiak."

• "Now, the moment that Fernando Mendoza goes out there, and if he plays well in a preseason game, we'll all be talking about it," Pelissero continued. "Klint Kubiak's going to get questions. Klint's not on social media. He's not watching this show. He's not watching ESPN. He's not seeing the various debates. He is going to be very much of that same [mindset]. Again, stranger things have happened here, but from everything I understand - the conviction, the way they are built right now - is that Kirk Cousins is going to be the starter at the beginning of the season and entirely possible at the end of the season as well."

May 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) stretches during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

• "That's as much a reflection of where the Raiders are programmatically as anything to do with Fernando Mendoza," Pelissero elaborated. "They don't really have the infrastructure. They've got some things that they've got to figure out."

Overall Takeaways

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and coach Klint Kubiak during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's been the status quo since the beginning of the offseason, as the coaching staff and front office have prioritized slowly bringing Mendoza along, with Cousins leading the team for the majority of this upcoming season.

While people have voiced their disagreement with the process, the Raiders will stick to their plan and allow Mendoza ample time to familiarize himself with Kubiak's offense, learn how to prepare, refine areas that need improvement, and gain comfort with what it takes to be a franchise quarterback.

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak (left) and general manager John Spytek at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Impatience is what has derailed quarterbacks in recent memory who have been selected with high draft capital. Unlike several of those situations, this coaching staff is not entering this season on the hot seat or anything close to that.

That is why pairing a head coach with a young quarterback on the same timeline is monumental for that situation to work out in the long run. Pelissero states that Cousins could be the starting quarterback for the entire season, but it would be interesting if Las Vegas flames out by the trade deadline, and the front office moves multiple veteran players, waving the white flag for the 2026 season.

Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) hugs quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Would that alter Kubiak's train of thought? Would the first-year head coach feel inclined to allow Mendoza to have some runway heading into the 2027 season? Those are just a couple of questions about this situation, and while the current plan is to keep Mendoza on the bench for the majority of the season, we simply don't know what is in store for this season.

Cousins could also struggle, forcing Kubiak's hand. Nevertheless, because the Raiders are in the midst of a rebuild, they are in no rush to force Mendoza onto the field if they feel he is not ready.