LV Kirk Cousins
NFL quarterback. Position: QB. Team: LV (Las Vegas Raiders).
Quick Facts
- Position: QB
- Team: LV (Las Vegas Raiders)
- Role: Starting QB (2026 season bridge), mentor to Fernando Mendoza
2026 Outlook
Kirk Cousins signed a flexible 1-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders to serve as the starting QB in 2026 while rookie sensation Fernando Mendoza (No. 1 overall, 2026 draft) develops as the franchise's long-term option. Cousins continues recovery from an Achilles tear suffered with the Atlanta Falcons in 2025. As of early June, Cousins is ahead of schedule in recovery and performing well during offseason workouts. Head coach Klint Kubiak stated that Cousins "has played really good football for us this time of year," noting his improved health one year removed from the Achilles injury. Cousins' last four games in Atlanta in 2025 showed strong form: 62.6% completion, 876 yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs, and 1 rushing TD. The Raiders are taking a patient developmental approach with Mendoza, expecting Cousins to be a solid placeholder QB while the rookie absorbs the Shanahan-system offense under Kubiak's tutelage (per Klint Kubiak: Kirk Cousins has played really good football for us this time of year).
Cousins praised Kubiak's leadership following OTAs in late June, calling it "probably the most urgent and most productive OTAs I've ever been a part of" in his 15-year NFL career. He highlighted Kubiak's intensity, conviction, and ability to create clarity about expectations despite being a quieter coach. This positive assessment of the offseason program suggests the Raiders' offensive foundation is solid heading into camp (per Kirk Cousins: Klint Kubiak ran the most productive OTAs I've ever been a part of).
Week 1 favorite (June 23): Multiple reports confirm Cousins is the clear frontrunner to start Week 1 against Miami. Head coach Klint Kubiak is explicit about the team's patient approach with Mendoza—"all signs point to" Cousins being the starter, with the organization viewing the 2026 roster as not yet ready to support a rookie QB. Tom Brady's ownership stake reinforces the "bring him along slowly" philosophy, with minority owner Brady noting that forcing young QBs to play early is "a tragedy." Cousins' role shifts from bridge starter to veteran mentor and safety net if injuries occur. (per Raiders could make stunning Fernando Mendoza Week 1 move)
Role / Depth Chart
Starting QB for Las Vegas Raiders in 2026. Expected transition to backup role once Fernando Mendoza is ready.
Injury Status
Achilles tendon (torn in 2025 with Atlanta Falcons). Ahead of schedule in recovery. Fully participating in offseason program as of June 2026.
Recent News
- 2026-06-23 — Raiders could make stunning Fernando Mendoza Week 1 move (Raiders could make stunning Fernando Mendoza Week 1 move)
- 2026-06-10 — Fernando Mendoza dealt harsh reality at Raiders minicamp as Kirk Cousins rejects... (Fernando Mendoza dealt harsh reality at Raiders minicamp as Kirk Cousins rejects...)
- 2026-06-13 — Majority of Raider Nation believes Kirk Cousins will be the starter Week 1 (Majority of Raider Nation believes Kirk Cousins will be the starter Week 1)
- 2026-05-27 — When is the best time to play Fernando Mendoza? (When is the best time to play Fernando Mendoza?)
- 2026-06-12 — Kirk Cousins 'Learning' With Raiders’ Quarterback Room (Kirk Cousins 'Learning' With Raiders’ Quarterback Room)
- 2026-06-20 — Raiders Open Minded about Getting Fernando Mendoza on the Field Week 1, Report Says (Raiders Open Minded about Getting Fernando Mendoza on the Field Week 1, Report Says)
- 2026-05-26 — Raiders QB Kirk Cousins Not Certain To Start In Week 1 - NFL Rumors (Raiders QB Kirk Cousins Not Certain To Start In Week 1 - NFL Rumors)
- 2026-05-21 — Raiders QB battle: Kirk Cousins likely QB1, but Fernando Mendoza ‘has not disappointed’ (Raiders QB battle: Kirk Cousins likely QB1, but Fernando Mendoza ‘has not disappointed’)
- 2026-05-31 — Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza make Raiders better at most important spot (Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza make Raiders better at most important spot)
- 2026-05-27 — Five hot QB battles ahead of 2026 NFL season: When will Fernando Mendoza start? (Five hot QB battles ahead of 2026 NFL season: When will Fernando Mendoza start?)
Open Questions
- Will Kirk Cousins remain healthy through a full 2026 season, or will his Achilles tear history resurface as a concern?