Raiders want Kirk Cousins to lead the way for 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into their true offseason with a month and a half break before training camp. One of the key stories for camp season is the battle at quarterback. Kirk Cousins and Mendoza could be in a battle for the number one spot, but that decision could already be made.

On Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com said the Raiders are pushing to keep Mendoza as the backup as long as possible. They are hoping that Cousins can play well enough to be the former Heisman Trophy winner and gain experience in the system.

They want] Cousins to play as well as he possibly can, to stay healthy, to give them a chance to win, and allow Mendoza the time necessary for him to [develop] and get a chance to go out there when he is ready to play. It is okay if they are not best friends. It is okay if the coaches do the mentorship, not the players. None of this is Kirk Cousins’ job and I appreciate that he decided to tell us this so we don’t talk about phony narratives.”

While this isn’t brand-new information, it reiterates exactly what the plan is for the 2026 Raiders. They want to get the most out of Kirk Cousins and have Mendoza ready for 2027 and beyond.

In other Raiders links:

• TDL Fernando Mendoza series part 4: Tape Don’t Lie Crew continues its series covering the Mendosas’ game vs UCLA and Michigan St.
• Henry Ruggs’ path to an unprecedented NFL comeback became more difficult: After being denied Parole, the Las Vegas Review-Journal has the latest on former Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs.
• Raiders FB Connor Heyward Describes Transition To New Team, Position: Connor Heyward describes transition to the Las Vegas Raiders after being with the Pittsburgh Steelers to start his career.