Fernando Mendoza, Kirk Cousins' QB Reps Revealed as Raiders Open OTAs for 2026 NFL Season

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins reportedly received the first-team reps over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza during the team's OTA practice on Wednesday.

According to Sam Warren of The Athletic, Cousins, Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell got an equal amount of reps, but Cousins was with the first team and Mendoza primarily worked with the rookies.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak weighed in on the quarterback pecking order, telling reporters, "It's going to reveal itself. ... We'll let the players figure that out with their team."

While it has become exceedingly rare for a quarterback selected first overall to not start immediately as a rookie, the Raiders appear as though they may be taking a slow and steady approach with Mendoza.

Speaking last week on his podcast (h/t RaidersBeat.com), ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said he believes the Raiders are "going to want Kirk Cousins to start the season."

Schefter also speculated that Mendoza may not become the starter until as late as December since the Raiders are scheduled for four road games in November.

After Geno Smith struggled mightily last season under center and contributed heavily to the Raiders finishing 3-14, general manager John Spytek completely reshaped the quarterback room.

Smith was traded to the New York Jets, and the Raiders signed Cousins in free agency and used the top pick in the draft on Mendoza.

While Mendoza could potentially step right in and play well after winning the Heisman Trophy and a national championship last season at Indiana University, learning behind an accomplished veteran like Cousins could be even more valuable.

The 37-year-old Cousins has 167 career NFL starts to his credit over stints with three different teams, and he has thrown for 44,700 yards, 298 touchdowns and 131 interceptions.

After going 5-3 in eight starts with the Atlanta Falcons last season, Cousins could potentially help the Raiders be competitive early in the 2026 campaign before eventually giving way to Mendoza when it is determined he is ready.