The Raiders removed whatever suspense remained from their quarterback competition Wednesday when coach Klint Kubiak named Kirk Cousins the starter for their season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

The decision had seemed inevitable throughout training camp. Cousins received the majority of the first-team work and looked more comfortable and efficient than rookie Fernando Mendoza during the preseason.

Cousins completed 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in two preseason appearances. Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

The 38-year-old Cousins might no longer possess the arm strength or physical ability he had at his peak, but he gives the Raiders an experienced quarterback who understands Kubiak’s offense and can stabilize the position while Mendoza develops.

Cousins has completed 66.7 percent of his career passes for 44,700 yards, 298 touchdowns and 131 interceptions. His career passer rating is 96.8.

He also has extensive experience working with Kubiak. The two spent three seasons together with the Minnesota Vikings from 2019 through 2021, when Kubiak served as Cousins’ quarterbacks coach before becoming Minnesota’s offensive coordinator. Cousins threw for 12,089 yards and 94 touchdowns during those three seasons.

That familiarity should allow Kubiak to operate more of his offense immediately while the Raiders continue developing their offensive line and evaluating a wide-receiver group that struggled to create separation throughout the preseason.

The decision does not change the organization’s long-term plans for Mendoza.

The former Indiana star will follow a developmental program designed to prepare him to eventually take control of the offense. General manager John Spytek said this week that Mendoza’s “time is coming,” although the rookie must continue earning the opportunity.

Mendoza is expected to play at some point this season. The question is when.

If Cousins keeps the Raiders in playoff contention, Kubiak can continue riding the veteran. But once the games lose meaningful postseason consequences—or Mendoza proves he is the better option, the Raiders will need to get their franchise quarterback onto the field.

For now, Cousins gives them the best opportunity to begin the season competitively while buying Mendoza the time he needs.