New Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak met with media members at the NFL Owners meeting Tuesday morning. Here are some highlights of the session:

Kubiak recalled his reaction when Raiders’ general manager John Spytek told him the Maxx Crosby trade with the Baltimore Ravens was nixed. Kubiak said he smiled and “our team just got better.” Kubiak later summarized the Crosby situation with this: “We lost him. We got him back. Our team is better. Hell yeah.”

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Kubiak did say things can change at any time, but he fully expects Crosby to be with the team in 2026. Like Spytek said Monday, Kubiak did acknowledge that the team may try to lessen Crosby’s snap count to help in the big picture but they haven’t had that conversation with the player yet.

Kubiak is planning to attend expected No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza’s Indiana pro day Wednesday. He said he is not expecting any surprises, but he’s looking forward to see how Mendoza reacts to all the attention from NFL coaches and scouts and he interacts with his teammates on the big stage. Kubiak was very complimentary of Mendoza. While he, of course, didn’t confirm the Raiders will be drafting him, nothing he said suggested otherwise.

Like Spytek said earlier this offseason, Kubiak said in a perfect world a rookie quarterback won’t start. He said he’d like to see a rookie sit and learn behind a veteran. In terms of adding a veteran, Kubiak said the Raiders are looking at all their options. Kirk Cousins is considered the favorite to land in Las Vegas. Spytek said Monday the team could add there in the next few weeks.

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Kubiak said his relationship with Raiders’ part owner Tom Brady continues to grow. He said they text almost every day and he is always asking Brady for advise. He told Brady he won’t harsh truths and “it’s ok to hurt my feelings.”

Kubiak was asked if any inherited players has impressed him and he immediately shouted out wide receiver Tre Tucker. Kubiak praised his work ethic and he he fits what he want from players. So, Tucker, entering his contract year, should get a chance to grow this season.

Kubiak said free-agent addition, center Tyler Linderbaum, will be a coach on the field. The coach praised Linderbaum’s “nasty play style.”

Kubiak said he is excited about right tackles DJ Glaze and Charles Grant. So, expect a competition there.

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Kubiak brought wide receiver/special teamer Dareke Young with him from Seattle in free agency. He called young an ascending player and it sounded like he will get some chances at receiver and not just be a special-teams ace.

Kubiak said the Raiders need to get deeper at safety, but he did note it’s a strong class in the draft at the position. Expect it to be an early-mid round target spot.

Kubiak on new Raiders’ offensive line coach Rick Dennison, who he has a long history with, “he’s as good as it gets.”