Raiders officially name Kirk Cousins their starting quarterback

Published September 2, 2026 12:45 PM Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak didn’t delay naming a QB1 any longer when he walked to the podium for his Wednesday press conference. “Kirk’s going to be the starting quarterback,” Kubiak said to begin his media session.Kubiak added that Cousins did not participate in Wednesday’s practice as a rest day.The Raiders had telegraphed that move throughout the offseason, with the team’s brass repeatedly saying that the idea was to let No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza grow and learn before seeing the field.To that end, Cousins’ rest day was an opportunity for Mendoza to get reps with the first-team offense. “Live reps are the best medicine, so that was very helpful for him,” Kubiak said.While it may seem like Cousins became the starter by default, Kubiak noted how impressed he’s been with the veteran quarterback’s work.“He’s played really good football,” Kubiak said. “I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, really good camp. And he’s earned it.“I think [competition] made Kirk better, it made Aiden [O’Connell] better, it made Fernando better. That’s the nature of the position — it’s the most competitive position in the free world. And those guys all improved the roster through their play this offseason.”The Raiders will open the 2026 season against the Dolphins on Sept. 13.