Raiders Install Mendoza as Starter After Trading Cousins
The 2026 first overall pick takes over the starting role for the 4-5 Raiders, facing the Seahawks on Sunday.
By Mariam Saleh ·
The Las Vegas Raiders named Fernando Mendoza their starting quarterback on Tuesday following the trade of Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings. General Manager John Spytek confirmed the decision, marking the immediate start of the rookie's tenure as the team's primary signal-caller.
Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, faces his first career start on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. The game will be Mendoza's second appearance this season. He previously entered a Week 5 loss against the New England Patriots late in the game, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards.
Head Coach Klint Kubiak stated that Mendoza exceeded internal expectations during the preparation period. Kubiak noted specific improvements in Mendoza's accuracy, offensive command, and handling of two-minute drills. The rookie spent extended hours on the indoor practice field reviewing game plans and studying film. He also remained physically engaged during practice sessions, wearing his helmet and reciting playcalls heard through the headset device.
Spytek said the move is not a sign that the Raiders are giving up on their current campaign. The team holds a 4-5 record and remains in the playoff race. Spytek emphasized that the staff intends to approach the upcoming game with the same intensity as any other week.
"It's something that he's worked very hard for since the moment he walked into this building," Spytek said. "I want to stop short of saying he's earned it, but he put us in a position where we had to make a really hard decision today, with his growth as a person, as a teammate, as a leader, as a quarterback."
Cousins served as the starter for nine games this season. He finished with 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His final start occurred in Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers, where he completed 22 of 32 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-17 defeat.
The Raiders originally planned to start with Cousins while evaluating Mendoza's readiness. Mendoza entered the league after leading the Indiana Hoosiers to a national title, where he set career highs for passing yards, touchdowns, and completion rate. The team believes his skill set aligns with the offensive scheme, and they view the transition as a step toward long-term stability at the position.
