Raiders Coach Favors Veteran QB Over Rookie

Klint Kubiak hesitant to start top draft pick Fernando Mendoza early in season

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:48am

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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has indicated he would prefer to have rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the likely No. 1 overall draft pick, learn behind an experienced veteran rather than start him immediately. Kubiak believes rookie QBs benefit from observing a mature player before seeing game action, though he acknowledged that doesn't always work out in the 'perfect world'.

Why it matters

The Raiders have struggled to find consistent quarterback play in recent years, with their last playoff appearance coming in 2002. Kubiak's preference to ease in a rookie QB could signal the team is looking to build around an established veteran, at least initially, rather than immediately handing the reins to the highly touted Mendoza.

The details

Kubiak was recently hired as the Raiders' head coach after serving as the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator and helping lead them to a Super Bowl title. He said 'ideally, you don't want him to start from Day 1' when asked about Mendoza, who led Indiana to a national championship. The Raiders currently have only one other QB on the roster, Aidan O'Connell, after trading away Geno Smith. Veteran free agents like Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson remain unsigned.

  • Kubiak was named Raiders head coach in February 2026.
  • Mendoza led Indiana to the College Football Playoff national title in January 2026.

The players

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.

Fernando Mendoza

The likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who led Indiana to its first College Football Playoff national championship.

Aidan O'Connell

The only other quarterback currently on the Raiders' roster after the team traded away Geno Smith.

Maxx Crosby

The Raiders' five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, who had a trade to the Baltimore Ravens voided after he failed a physical.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“'Ideally, you don't want him to start from Day 1. 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. Sometimes they have to play from Day 1, and it's our job as coaches to get them ready to go. I think it does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show.'”

— Klint Kubiak, Raiders Head Coach

“'He's a national champion. He's a winner. He's quick. He's intelligent.'”

— Klint Kubiak, Raiders Head Coach

“'We got Maxx back. Are you kidding me? That's great. Our team just got better.'”

— Klint Kubiak, Raiders Head Coach

What’s next

The Raiders will have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza. However, head coach Klint Kubiak has indicated he would prefer Mendoza to learn behind a veteran QB rather than start immediately.

The takeaway

Kubiak's preference to ease in a rookie quarterback rather than immediately handing the reins to a top draft pick like Mendoza suggests the Raiders are focused on building a balanced team with an experienced signal-caller, at least in the short term. This approach could help stabilize the position after years of inconsistency, but it also risks delaying the development of a potential franchise quarterback.