Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced on Monday that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will remain the team’s starting signal-caller for the Week 8 road game against the New York Jets, ending speculation about a potential quarterback change despite a four-game losing streak.
Kubiak addressed the decision during a press conference, stating that Cousins is ‘playing at a very high level’ and emphasized the need to continue supporting the surrounding offensive units. The announcement follows a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, which extended the Raiders’ skid to 3-4 on the season. Kubiak added that the team would evaluate all aspects of performance after another loss, though he did not indicate an imminent change in leadership.
Quarterback Performance and Draft Context
Cousins has led the NFL in passing touchdowns this season with 16 through seven games, ranking third in passing yards (1,877) and maintaining a 62.6% completion rate with only five interceptions. His 97.4 passer rating is among the league’s highest, and he has thrown 10 touchdowns against two interceptions in the last five games despite the team’s struggles. The Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, after his collegiate national championship run at Indiana, but he has yet to see extended playing time in his rookie season.
Mendoza made his NFL debut in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards in a single drive that ended in a turnover on downs. Kubiak indicated Mendoza would ‘eventually’ receive playing time but did not specify a timeline, stating the rookie would ‘play football’ at some point. Cousins, when asked about the possibility of Mendoza taking over, reiterated his willingness to step aside if he is no longer the best option for the team to win.
Team Outlook and Next Opponent
The Raiders’ four-game losing streak has raised questions about their playoff viability, though Kubiak framed the decision as a performance-based one. The Jets, currently 2-5, present a winnable matchup as Las Vegas seeks to rebound. Kubiak’s comments suggest the team is prioritizing short-term results while monitoring Mendoza’s development for future roles. No further updates were provided regarding Mendoza’s role beyond the general commitment to his eventual participation.
The decision to retain Cousins underscores the Raiders’ reliance on his veteran leadership amid a transitional season under Kubiak’s first-year tenure.