Raiders coach Klint Kubiak prefers rookie quarterbacks to sit behind veteran
Authored by zh-ayx-sports.com, Apr 01, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said he ideally wants a rookie quarterback to learn from an experienced teammate before taking game snaps. Kubiak was named head coach in February 2026, shortly after serving as offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks in their run to the franchise's second Super Bowl title.[1]
The comments came at Kubiak's introductory news conference on February 10, 2026, at Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada.[1]
Kubiak was responding to questions about Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the April 2026 NFL Draft -- a slot held by the Raiders. Mendoza led Indiana to its first College Football Playoff national title with a victory on January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.[1]
"Ideally, you don't want him to start from Day 1," Kubiak told reporters. "You'd love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That's in a perfect world. It doesn't always work out that way."[1]
The Raiders currently have Aidan O'Connell as their only quarterback on the roster after trading Geno Smith, with Kenny Pickett signing with the Carolina Panthers. 
Veterans Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson remain unsigned free agents.[1]
The Raiders have not won a playoff game since defeating the Tennessee Titans 41-24 in the AFC Championship Game on January 19, 2003, during the 2002 season.[2][3]
Kubiak praised Mendoza, saying: "He's a national champion. He's a winner. He's quick. He's intelligent."[1]
On defense, five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby remains with the Raiders after a proposed trade to the Baltimore Ravens was voided due to a failed physical. Kubiak said: "We got Maxx back. Are you kidding me? That's great. Our team just got better."[1]
Sources
- Fox News Digital, "Las Vegas may be Fernando Mendoza’s first NFL stop", February 2026, https://www.foxnews.com/sports
- NFL.com, "Las Vegas Raiders History", accessed October 2024, https://www.nfl.com/teams/las-vegas-raiders/history/
- Pro-Football-Reference.com, "Las Vegas Raiders Playoff Game Log", accessed October 2024, https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/postseason.htm