Kirk Cousins Opens Camp As Raiders’ Starting QB

“When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback,” Kubiak said (via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). “He’s the guy, and he deserves it because he’s played really good football.” 

Cousins, 37, signed a one-year, $11.3MM deal with the Raiders in April, a few weeks before they officially drafted Mendoza but months after it was a foregone conclusion. Las Vegas’ plan was clear: bring in an experienced veteran who could start in Week 1 to take pressure off a highly-touted rookie who they see as their long-term franchise quarterback. Cousins remained the projected starter throughout spring practices and is now set to lead the offense in camp, though Mendoza will likely get some first-team reps, too.

Kubiak’s comments also indicate that Mendoza working his way onto the field as a rookie is not a matter of course. After taking nearly all of his college snaps in the shotgun, the former Hoosier will need to adjust to Kubiak’s heavy use of under-center formations. That requires more than just perfecting the hand-to-hand exchange with Tyler Linderbaum. It demands different technique and precise footwork when dropping back to pass, handing the ball off, and running play action.

Kubiak also mentioned that he wants fourth-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell to push Cousins, too. The 2023 fourth-round pick started 17 games across his first two seasons, but was relegated to the bench last year behind Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett. Realistically, he seems like a longshot to see any action this year, much less start.

However, O’Connell is entering the final year of his rookie contract, making him a potential trade candidate for a team looking to upgrade at backup quarterback before the regular season.