Raiders Retain Kirk Cousins as Starter Despite Four-Game Losing Streak and Mendoza Development Path
What happened
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that veteran Kirk Cousins will remain the starting quarterback despite a four-game losing streak, keeping No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza on the sideline.
The Context
* A fast start evaporated: Las Vegas launched their 2026 campaign with a 3-0 record before dropping four straight games, capped by a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. * Capital allocation conflict: General manager John Spytek signed the 15th-year veteran to a two-year deal while simultaneously drafting Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, as the future franchise anchor. * No immediate transition: Kubiak stated there is no internal controversy and affirmed that Mendoza’s regular-season integration remains developmental rather than imminent against the New York Jets.
The Number
Cousins leads the NFL with 16 passing touchdowns through seven weeks, demonstrating why the Raiders view execution elsewhere on the roster—not the quarterback seat—as the core operational failure.
Takeaway
Expect Cousins to retain control through the upcoming matchup with the Jets, though continued losses will force front-office leadership to accelerate Mendoza’s deployment timeline.
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