Raiders trade Kirk Cousins, clearing way for No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza
The gist
The Raiders agreed to trade Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings, making rookie Fernando Mendoza their expected starter.
The No. 1 overall pick now inherits a 4-5 team.
How it unfolded
- Feb 27, 2026Mendoza, favored to be the No. 1 pick, interviews with the Raiders at the NFL combine in Indianapolis and says a Tom Brady mentorship would 'mean so much'.
- Apr 1, 2026Mendoza throws at Indiana's pro day with the Raiders well-represented and says he will never hit a rookie wall.
- Apr 28, 2026Mendoza has his first day as a Raider after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Key terms
- No. 1 overall pick
- The first player selected in the NFL draft, chosen by the team with the worst previous-season record.
- Heisman Trophy
- An annual award given since 1935 to the top player in American college football.
- Pro Bowl
- The annual all-star game of the National Football League featuring the league's star players.
Source: Wikipedia