Cousins Starts, Mendoza Waits | Las Vegas Raiders News

Kirk Cousins, 38 and entering his 15th NFL season, is named the Raiders’ Week 1 starter against Miami, capping a preseason battle that also featured rookie Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell. Cousins, who joined the team in April after stints with Atlanta, showed strong camp numbers and is seen as the steady hand the team needs now. Mendoza, the franchise’s first-round 2026 draft pick, will start as backup — a decision that signals the Raiders’ long-term faith in his future, even as they let him learn from a veteran. This move balances immediate stability with building a young QB’s foundation — and fans are left wondering how long this setup lasts before Mendoza takes center stage. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c7304168f4e822ce