Firmly in Command | Raiders Retain Kirk Cousins as QB1 Facing the Jets

Despite a four-game losing streak and growing external speculation surrounding rookie first-round pick Fernando Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders are making no changes under center.

Head coach Klint Kubiak shut down any quarterback controversy on Monday, formally confirming that Kirk Cousins will remain the team's starting quarterback for Sunday's matchup against the New York Jets.

Opening his weekly press conference before taking questions, Kubiak addressed the QB situation directly, emphasizing that the 38-year-old veteran gives Las Vegas the best immediate opportunity to remain competitive.

Statistical Production vs. Team Struggles

While the Raiders have dropped to 3-4 following a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Cousins' individual production has remained solid.

Entering the week, Cousins leads the NFL with 16 touchdown passes and ranks third overall with 1,877 passing yards. Kubiak pointed to systemic issues across the roster, including a rushing attack averaging just 3.0 yards per carry and a defense surrendering 27-plus points in five consecutive weeks, as the primary drivers behind the slide, rather than quarterback play.

Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Comparison

The Development Plan for Mendoza

Though fans and analysts remain eager to see Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, take over the offense, Kubiak reiterated that the franchise maintains a long-term developmental blueprint.

"Eventually, Fernando is going to play football," Kubiak explained to reporters. "We have a plan. We don't have a timeline for that. Kirk is playing really well, and we're in the hunt. It's really important that we keep playing really well behind him and continue to develop Fernando, but Fernando is going to play at some point. It's not going to be this week."

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