When the Las Vegas Raiders open training camp this week, there will be no question who their starting quarterback is: Kirk Cousins.
Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed to reporters Tuesday that veteran Kirk Cousins will start training camp as the Raiders' starting quarterback. "When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins the starting quarterback. He's the guy," Kubiak said. "He's gonna get a ton of reps. He deserves it. He's played really good football."
Kubiak made it clear that while Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in April's NFL Draft, will have a chance to earn a starting job, it won't be handed to him. "I want Fernando and I want Aidan [O'Connell] to push him," Kubiak said. "Kirk Cousins is our starter."
The Raiders signed Cousins to a two-year contract prior to April's NFL Draft to add a veteran presence in the room and allow the team to ease Mendoza into his role. It's a move that will give the young quarterback time to develop without feeling rushed.
Kubiak's decision is not a surprise, given the team's plans for the future. Mendoza is expected to be the Raiders' quarterback of the future, but for now, the focus is on getting him ready for that role.
The challenge for Kubiak will be finding a balance between giving Mendoza the time he needs to develop and not letting the team's starting job slip away from Cousins. How long Cousins will remain the Raiders' starter is unclear, but for now, he's the man to beat.
The Raiders' quarterback situation will be one to watch as training camp gets underway. With Mendoza and O'Connell pushing Cousins for the starting job, it's clear that the competition will be fierce.
Source: Yahoo Sports