Fernando Mendoza joins Las Vegas Raiders
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Raiders name Kirk Cousins starting QB for Week 1; top pick Fernando Mendoza backup.
Rookie Heisman winner waits, raising questions about when he'll play.
Background
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after he won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a national championship. The team also signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency, reuniting him with head coach Klint Kubiak. After a competitive preseason, Kubiak announced Cousins as the starter for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, with Mendoza serving as backup.
How it unfolded
- Apr 2026Raiders signed Kirk Cousins as a free agent and later drafted Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
- Aug 2026Mendoza and Cousins competed during preseason; Mendoza impressed but also showed struggles with pass protection and receiver separation.
- Sep 2, 2026Coach Klint Kubiak announced Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback for Week 1, with Mendoza as backup.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Coach Kubiak said Mendoza has been 'as advertised' and improved since spring, but the team prefers a veteran to start.
- Analysts
- Some analysts argue Mendoza should sit to develop, given the offensive line and receiver issues, while others expect him to play later in the season.
- Public
- Fans and media debate when Mendoza will make his first start, with some predicting he'll take over before season's end.
Still unverified
Speculation about the exact week Mendoza might start is unconfirmed; no official timeline has been given.