- Fernando Mendoza will become the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback after Kirk Cousins was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.
- Raiders general manager John Spytek said Mendoza’s development as a quarterback, teammate, leader and person made the decision possible.
- Mendoza’s first start will come against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Fernando Mendoza Takes Over as Raiders Starting Quarterback
The Las Vegas Raiders have officially begun the Fernando Mendoza era, with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft replacing Kirk Cousins as the team’s starting quarterback. The Raiders traded Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings before the NFL trade deadline in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick, ending his time in Las Vegas after nine starts.
Raiders general manager John Spytek said the move was not planned as a straightforward decision to hand the offense to a highly rated rookie. Minnesota contacted Las Vegas shortly before the deadline, creating an unexpected opportunity for the Raiders to reconsider their quarterback situation.
“There was nothing to speak about,” Spytek said. “We didn’t have any expectation that this was coming.”
Cousins had provided stability for a Raiders team that entered the trade deadline with a 4-5 record. He completed a productive stretch over nine starts, throwing for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Las Vegas had initially preferred to keep Cousins in place so he could guide Mendoza through his rookie season rather than immediately placing the pressure of leading the team on the No. 1 pick.
Raiders’ Confidence in Mendoza Drove the Decision
Spytek explained that Mendoza’s progress behind the scenes convinced the organization it could make the change while continuing to pursue its ambitions for the 2026 season. Mendoza had spent time learning the Raiders’ offense and adjusting to the professional game, while the coaching staff evaluated his preparation, command and leadership.
“It’s something that he’s worked very hard for since the moment he walked into this building,” Spytek said. “He passed every test. 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.”
Spytek stopped short of saying Mendoza had definitively earned the starting job, but his comments emphasized that the rookie’s progress extended beyond his practice performances. Head coach Klint Kubiak also supported the move, saying Mendoza had exceeded expectations during his preparation.
The coaching staff was particularly impressed by Mendoza’s work habits, his command of the offense and his willingness to spend additional time studying the playbook. Those factors helped persuade Las Vegas that Mendoza could assume responsibility for the offense sooner than expected.
Mendoza Brings Strong College Credentials but Limited NFL Experience
Mendoza has made only one regular-season appearance before being named the Raiders’ starter. In a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots, he completed six of eight passes for 48 yards.
His college career at Indiana provides the foundation for the Raiders’ optimism. Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led the Hoosiers to a national championship in 2025. During his junior season, he threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns.
The trade also reunites Cousins with Minnesota, where he played from 2018 through 2023. The Vikings regain a veteran quarterback, while the Raiders receive a future third-round selection and create an immediate opportunity for their young quarterback to lead the team.
Why This Matters
The Raiders’ decision represents a significant shift in their 2026 quarterback strategy. Cousins had been expected to provide experience while Mendoza developed, but Minnesota’s late interest accelerated the transition. Las Vegas now has to determine whether Mendoza’s preparation and college success can translate into consistent NFL production while the team remains focused on competing this season.
Mendoza’s first start will provide an immediate test. He will face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, giving the rookie a demanding introduction to his new role. The Raiders believe his preparation has put him in position to handle the challenge, but his performance on Sundays will ultimately determine whether the organization’s confidence was justified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Raiders trade Kirk Cousins?
The Minnesota Vikings contacted the Raiders shortly before the NFL trade deadline, and Las Vegas decided that Fernando Mendoza’s development made it possible to move forward with the rookie. The Raiders received a 2027 third-round draft pick.
Who is the Raiders’ new starting quarterback?
Fernando Mendoza is taking over as the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback. He was selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to the 2025 national championship.
Who will Fernando Mendoza face in his first start?
Mendoza’s first start will come against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
