Cousins named Raiders' camp starter over Mendoza

Mendoza’s rookie deal is fully guaranteed for $57.2 million.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 281 min read

Raiders HC Klint Kubiak announced Tuesday that four-time Pro-Bowl selection Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterbac Via @AdamSchefter on X

What happened: Cousins will take the first snaps when practice opens Wednesday, one day after Klint Kubiak set the camp order. Mendoza enters his first NFL training camp five days after signing his rookie contract.

Why it matters: The opening order lets Las Vegas install its offense with an experienced quarterback while Mendoza transitions to the NFL. It also gives the rookie developmental time after the Raiders made him their top draft investment.

By the numbers: Cousins has four Pro Bowl selections; Mendoza entered the league as the No.

What to watch: The distribution of first-team reps will show whether Mendoza can close the gap before Las Vegas sets its Week 1 plan.

Sources

@AdamSchefter 2026-07-28T20:46:22.484365+00:00

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NFLBreakingLas Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaKirk Cousins

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