Raiders’ Kubiak Chooses Veteran QB Over Rookie for Early Season Start

Las Vegas enters the offseason facing a key decision at quarterback. Head coach Klint Kubiak prefers a veteran presence over rushing a rookie into an early season start.

Mendoza and the draft picture

Fernando Mendoza guided Indiana to the program’s first College Football Playoff national title. The championship game took place on Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens.

Mendoza is widely viewed as the likely No. 1 overall pick in the April draft. The Raiders hold that selection and remain the team most linked to him.

Kubiak’s approach to rookie quarterbacks

Kubiak was hired as the Raiders’ head coach in February 2026. He arrived after serving as Seattle’s offensive coordinator and helping the Seahawks win a second Super Bowl.

He told reporters that rookies often benefit from learning behind an experienced starter. Kubiak said sitting behind a mature player can speed development, though rookies sometimes must play immediately.

Quarterback room and roster moves

Aidan O’Connell is currently the only other quarterback listed on the roster. The club traded Geno Smith, and Kenny Pickett signed with the Panthers.

High-profile veterans such as Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Russell Wilson remain unsigned. Kubiak must weigh the value of a veteran QB against bringing a rookie into the lineup.

Defense and Maxx Crosby’s status

Edge rusher Maxx Crosby remains with the team after a proposed trade to Baltimore was voided. The deal collapsed when Crosby failed the receiving club’s physical.

Kubiak said he smiled upon hearing the news from general manager John Spytek. He added that Crosby’s return made the team better immediately.

Outlook and stakes

The Raiders’ last playoff victory came in the 2002 AFC championship season. That drought adds urgency to decisions about whether a rookie should begin the season on the field.

Kubiak’s preference for a veteran mentor aims to protect a top rookie’s development. Filmogaz.com will monitor how the team’s plans evolve before the draft and training camp.