Leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, everyone knew the Las Vegas Raiders would make Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick. Back then, the assumption was that he’d be the team’s starting QB in Week 1.
Then, just a few weeks before the NFL Draft kicked off, the Raiders surprised many by striking a five-year contract worth up to $172 million with four-time Pro Bowl QB Kirk Cousins. Fast forward two more months to July, and first-year head coach Klint Kubiak declared Cousins as his starting quarterback to begin the Raiders’ training camp.
Now that Mendoza has gotten a chance to play three preseason games, Kubiak was once again asked about the Raiders’ starting QB, and he didn’t exactly give a straight answer.
Raiders Fans Brush Off Klint Kubiak’s QB Comments
They may not admit it, but sometimes a coach’s job is to handle public relations. They’re constantly asked important questions about the structure of their team, and most get deflected or answered with a bunch of mumbo jumbo. That’s essentially what coach Kubiak did on Friday when questioned about the team’s QB situation after the Raiders’ 18-12 loss.
“I still don’t think we need to name anybody,” Kubiak said. “We have a lot to talk about at a lot of positions, so we want to watch the film and talk about everything as a staff.”
Meanwhile, one Raiders fan called out the team for their wishy-washy take on their approach with Mendoza after preaching patience for so long.
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“For months, the Raiders have said that they were going to keep Mendoza off the field (as a starter) for as long as possible…so he could learn. Now, they are mum on who will be the opening day starter 😳🙄. Some PR gamesmanship for the Raiders…”
For months, the Raiders have said that they were going to keep Mendoza off the field (as a starter) for as long as possible…so he could learn
Now, they are mum on who will be the opening day starter 😳🙄
Some PR gamesmanship for the Raiders… https://t.co/iODuoRI9kO
— Steven Perkins (@FlavorizeThis) August 28, 2026
Another saw Kubiak’s comments as a “smoke screen” from the team, not wanting to give the public all the answers about how they really feel inside the Raiders’ organization.
“SMOKE SCREENS ARE OFFICIALLY UP IN LAS VEGAS 🎰🤐 Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is keeping everyone guessing by refusing to name his opening-day starting quarterback.
Playing the secrecy card this late in the preseason is a classic way to keep opponents scrambling. Let’s see if the mystery strategy actually pays off when Week 1 finally kicks off.
Nobody loves a good quarterback battle drama more than late August.”
SMOKE SCREENS ARE OFFICIALLY UP IN LAS VEGAS 🎰🤐
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is keeping everyone guessing by refusing to name his opening-day starting quarterback.
Playing the secrecy card this late in the preseason is a classic way to keep opponents scrambling.
Let’s see if… https://t.co/v9iexQC7Hu— Maria Mel (@Mariamelx58) August 28, 2026
Meanwhile, one reaction indicated that all it takes is watching “a second of their preseason games” to determine that Mendoza won’t be starting for the Raiders in Week 1.
“Have you watched a second of their preseason games? Absolutely no chance and hell they are putting Mendoza out there Week 1.”
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One observer spit it straight, explaining that Cousins is “still the favorite after Mendoza’s pick and 31 (QB) rating.”
“Kirk Cousins still the favorite after Mendoza’s pick and 31 rating. Smart to let the vet start Week 1 vs Miami while the rookie develops. 🏈”
Kirk Cousins still the favorite after Mendoza’s pick and 31 rating. Smart to let the vet start Week 1 vs Miami while the rookie develops. 🏈
— Pramod Sharma (@capksharma) August 28, 2026
Another commenter saw Kubiak’s silence as a sign that the Raiders are likely leaning toward anointing their veteran as the starting QB rather than the rookie: “His silence is screaming Kirko Bangz.”
His silence is screaming Kirko Bangz
— Jalen Hall (@wickedfiendd) August 28, 2026
Yet, there’s at least one person out there who sees the Raiders’ hesitancy to declare a starter as a sign that Mendoza may be closing the gap and possibly even overtaking Cousins altogether.
“Klint Kubiak is STILL not naming Kirk Cousins his starting quarterback… this is honestly starting to get VERY interesting in Las Vegas… could the Raiders actually be going with Fernando Mendoza??”
The Raiders going with the rookie over the 15-year veteran would come as a significant surprise, as their offense needs a lot of work after ranking second-worst in the league last season on PFN’s Offense Impact Metric. Yet, one can’t deny that the excitement levels in Vegas would be through the roof.
