Fernando Mendoza’s challenging start with the Las Vegas Raiders could take another unexpected turn after head coach Klint Kubiak declined to guarantee that the first overall pick will open the season as the team’s No. 2 quarterback.
Kirk Cousins is widely expected to start, but Mendoza remains in competition with Aidan O’Connell for the backup role. That leaves open the possibility that one of the most prominent rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft could begin his professional career third on the quarterback depth chart.
Klint Kubiak makes no guarantee on Mendoza’s QB2 role
Kubiak was asked directly whether Mendoza or O’Connell would serve as Cousins’ backup if the veteran opens the season as Las Vegas’ starter.
“We’ve got three guys that are ready to play. It’s going to be some hard decisions on who’s 1, who’s 2. That’s not a decision we have to make today, but those are discussions that are ongoing,” Kubiak said.
The response gave Mendoza no assurances despite the significant investment the Raiders made by selecting him with the first pick in the draft.
It would be highly unusual for a No. 1 overall quarterback to begin his rookie season as QB3. First overall picks are generally expected to start immediately or sit directly behind an experienced veteran.
Mendoza could face a longer wait to play
The Raiders appear to be in no rush to put Mendoza on the field. If Cousins wins the starting job and O’Connell is chosen as his primary backup, Mendoza could remain on the sideline even if Las Vegas needs to make an early-season quarterback change.
Kubiak’s comments make clear that the Raiders’ quarterback hierarchy has not been finalized, creating another layer of uncertainty for Mendoza as his rookie season approaches.
Sitting behind a veteran such as Cousins would already require patience from the first overall pick. Falling behind O’Connell as well would make for an even more surprising beginning to Mendoza’s NFL career.
Mendoza has not officially been named QB3. However, Kubiak has made one point clear: his draft status alone will not guarantee him the backup quarterback job.
Source: www.marca.com
