What We Learned at Raiders Training Camp: Biggest Additions Getting to Know Each Other - Sports Illustrated

What the report says

Sports Illustrated reported from Henderson, Nevada, that the Las Vegas Raiders opened 2026 training camp with several major additions still building familiarity, particularly center Tyler Linderbaum and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Linderbaum, who joined Las Vegas after four seasons with Baltimore on a reported three-year, $81 million deal, has been working primarily with veteran Kirk Cousins, whom SI described as the likely Week 1 starter for the Sept. 13 opener against Miami.

The article’s central development is Linderbaum’s early effort to help Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in April’s draft, adjust to the NFL even before they become regular on-field partners. Linderbaum told SI he has spent time with Mendoza away from football, including dinner, and emphasized that building relationships with younger players can help the team. SI observed Mendoza taking No. 2 quarterback reps behind Cousins and ahead of Aidan O’Connell, with coaches also asking him to operate uptempo with the second-team offense on the first day of camp.

Linderbaum also praised Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, saying Crosby’s practice habits can raise the standard for teammates. SI noted Crosby had been connected to Baltimore in a possible March trade before remaining in Las Vegas.

Beyond the quarterback storyline, SI pointed to tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty as players who could benefit from new coach Klint Kubiak’s offense. Bowers practiced without a knee brace after a less productive second season, while Jeanty could see improved running lanes behind Linderbaum and within Kubiak’s scheme.