Raiders coach Kubiak prefers veteran quarterbacks over rookie start

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak prefers for rookie quarterbacks to learn from veterans before seeing game action. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Kubiak said, “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.”

Kubiak, who was named the Raiders head coach in February after helping lead the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl title as offensive coordinator, stressed the importance of mentorship for young quarterbacks. He added, “It does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show.”

The Raiders currently have only one other quarterback on their roster, Aidan O’Connell, after trading away Geno Smith. Kenny Picket has signed with the Carolina Panthers. Veteran quarterbacks such as Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Russell Wilson remain unsigned.

Kubiak praised rookie Fernando Mendoza, a former Indiana quarterback who led his team to its first College Football Playoff national title in January. “He’s a national champion. He’s a winner. He’s quick. He’s intelligent,” Kubiak said.

On the defensive side, Kubiak expressed excitement about Maxx Crosby, whose trade to Baltimore was voided after he failed a physical. Kubiak smiled when told about the reversal, saying, “We got Maxx back. Are you kidding me? That’s great. Our team just got better.”

The Raiders have not made the playoffs since their AFC championship victory in 2002, making it one of the longest droughts in the league. The AP contributed to this report.

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