Raiders Offseason Buzz
Key Questions
Who is the Raiders' confirmed Week 1 starting quarterback?
Kirk Cousins is set as the Week 1 starter, with rookie Mendoza learning behind him as the team focuses on development.
Are the Raiders shopping Maxx Crosby in trades?
No, despite rumors and a new proposal involving the 49ers, insiders confirm the team is not actively shopping Crosby.
What is the projected win range for the Raiders this season?
Analysts cite a ceiling of 9-8 and a floor of 4-13, reflecting cautious expectations under new leadership.
Which rookies have clear paths to playing time for the Raiders?
Rookies Mendoza, Stukes, Zuhn, and McCoy have established opportunities, with Masses also working with the first-team defense.
What trend is new coach Klint Kubiak positioned to break?
Only two first-year Raiders coaches in 20 years have improved the win total, and Kubiak inherits a 3-14 team with a low bar for success.
What pressure are certain Raiders players facing early in 2026?
Starters including Porter, Koonce, Linderbaum, Cousins, Nailor, Walker, and Stokes face significant early-season scrutiny.
How did the Raiders' charity softball game perform?
The event against the Knights raised $1.2 million while highlighting team community involvement.
What is the outlook on Kirk Cousins' statistical ceiling and floor?
Projections range from 3,800 passing yards at the high end to 2,000 at the low end given the supporting cast.
Cousins confirmed Week 1 starter; Mendoza learning behind him. Minicamp wrapped. Crosby trade rumors persist — new proposal to 49ers, but insider confirms Raiders not shopping him. Team focusing on mental conditioning. Stukes impressing; Jackson pushing for roster. Preseason schedule set. Ceiling/floor: 9-8 ceiling, 4-13 floor. Charity softball game vs Knights raised $1.2M. Mendoza labeled 'prize project'. RB room: Jeanty, Washington Jr., Heyward. Minor roster battle: fan favorite predicted to be cut. Tre Tucker ceiling/floor: 1,200/800 yards. Young LBs pushing Olubi. Cousins ceiling/floor: 3,800/2,000 yards. Pelissero: .500 record success. Mailbag: Tucker breakout, LB upgrades. Rookie CB Masses worked with first team. Latest: Rookies Mendoza, Stukes, Zuhn, McCoy have clear paths to roles. Insider suggests O'Connell could be traded before season ends—he's in final year and third on depth chart. Positive podcast 'The Las Vegas Raiders Worst Days Are Behind Them' offers hopeful outlook. Jalen Nailor ranked No. 18 in roster series, fits Kubiak's committee approach. Additional pressure context: Porter's cornerback transition, Koonce's one-year deal urgency, Linderbaum, Cousins, Nailor, Walker, Stokes under early-season pressure. New: Klint Kubiak has a prime opportunity to buck a nasty Raiders trend — only two first-year coaches in 20 years improved win totals. Kubiak inherits a 3-14 team, so the bar is low. Historical context gives cautious optimism.