{
  "id": 236747,
  "title": "Kirk Cousins Gets Honest About Raiders QB Competition With Fernando Mendoza",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/kirk-cousins-gets-honest-about-raiders-qb-competition-with-fernando",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-06T20:51:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/kirk-cousins-gets-honest-about-raiders-qb-competition-with-fernando-mendoza-12294000"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza as their future franchise quarterback in the NFL Draft this past April. However, veteran Kirk Cousins also joined the team during the offseason. Speaking with ESPN's Dan Graziano, Cousins discussed the quarterback room, praising the organization's decision to draft Mendoza. \"Good quarterback room. We’ve enjoyed just working together as a group. I think the organization is positioned well, having drafted Fernando,\" Cousins stated. He added, \"I’m gonna try to hold him off as long as I can.\" Cousins acknowledged that Mendoza comes into his first NFL season with a strong resume and high expectations. To help ease Mendoza into the starting quarterback role, Cousins agreed to play alongside him. Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that Cousins was the team's starter for training camp. Mendoza's mentorship from Cousins could benefit both of their development and help the Raiders secure more wins. \"He's the guy, and he deserves it because he's played really good football. But I want Fernando and Aidan [O'Connell] to push him,\" Kubiak said. Over the past four years, Cousins has played for five teams since entering the NFL in 2012, demonstrating his commitment to the Raiders. \"Honestly, it’s exceeded my expectations. My mind is right for living on Mars when I moved here, and It’s been great. It’s sunny every day. Great culture here. I like my teammates. I like the coaches. I like the system. So, I’m excited now; we just gotta get the ball right and go win some games,\" Cousins expressed. The Las Vegas Raiders are currently projected to have over 5.5 wins by sportsbooks, which would double their previous season's total and secure them the No. 1 pick for Mendoza in the draft. However, it remains to be seen when Mendoza will get his chance to shine as the starting QB, as Cousins remains ahead of him on the depth chart.",
  "summary": "Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins got honest about competing with Fernando Mendoza for the team's starting QB job.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kirk Cousins praised Las Vegas Raiders' decision to draft Fernando Mendoza.",
    "Cousins agreed to play alongside Mendoza to ease him into starting QB role.",
    "Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Cousins as starter for training camp."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kirk Cousins' willingness to mentor Fernando Mendoza and share the quarterback role sets up a low-pressure transition for the rookie and bolsters the Raiders' chances of exceeding last season's win total.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}