The Las Vegas Raiders have been far more proactive under the Tom Brady regime than before. After the Pete Carroll and Geno Smith experiment failed last season, they were quick to change course with Klint Kubiak and Fernando Mendoza.
Having already signed Kirk Cousins in early April as a bridge starter, the organization then drafted Mendoza first overall. The latest developments from the team’s camp suggest that the veteran might get the initial nod. For one insider, though, that decision is bizarre.
It Should Be Time for Fernando Mendoza
Joining the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025, Mendoza was instantly electric for them. Leading them to the national championship, his clutchness was a key factor in the team’s success. But the individual numbers were also spectacular for the youngster.
Pouring in 41 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions, he also added 276 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground. As a result, the Raiders were extremely comfortable selecting him with the first overall pick, especially given their desperate need for a franchise QB.
But the addition and potential elevation of Cousins has thrown a wrench in those plans. Soon turning 38, the former Minnesota Vikings star isn’t the caliber of player he once used to be. During his two years with the Atlanta Falcons, he started 22 games for them.
But a disastrous first year put him behind Michael Penix Jr. before the season was over, and he only got the starting job back in 2025 because of an injury ending Penix’s year early. During his time with the Falcons, he threw just 28 touchdowns, while committing 21 interceptions.
BUILD YOUR OWN TOP 100: PFN’s FREE NFL Top 100 Builder
Simply put, the consistency and stability that Cousins was once renowned for aren’t there anymore. Last season, he ranked at number 24 on PFSN’s QB Impact Metrics, behind rookies like Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough.
As a result, Mike Florio of NBC Sports is shocked by the growing sentiment in Las Vegas. “There’s a belief out there that Kirk Cousins is going to be the starter week one. And they’re going to let Fernando Mendoza sit and watch and learn.”
Speaking for “Pro Football Talk,” his surprise was evident. But he also believed it might not be the best plan for the team’s timeline and could lead to some immediate friction in the locker room as well.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator
“That may be fine in theory, but when you’re out on the practice field, if Mendoza is clearly better than Kirk Cousins this deep into his career at this age, late 30s, if Mendoza is clearly better, and you’ve got some grand strategic plan that you’re going to let him sit for a year, what’s Maxx Crosby going to say about that? What’s Brock Bowers going to say about that? What’s any veteran player going to say?”
Going a step further, Florio continued to explain why the locker room wouldn’t accept such a plan, before finally pointing the blame to the new head coach in town.
“The NFL has evolved to the ultimate one year at a time sport. And we have a guy who we can all tell at every practice is better than Kirk Cousins as of right now. But you’ve got this plan that you’re going to groom Fernando Mendoza by having him not play, by deliberately choosing the lesser guy to be the quarterback. Good luck with that one, Klint Kubiak.”
It is going to be nearly impossible to understand the rationale behind the decision for the Raiders. But for the time being, it looks like they are taking a more methodical approach with Mendoza to better prepare him for the NFL.
It remains to be seen how that decision eventually works out. But if the talent discrepancy between the two happens to be as wide as Florio believes it could be, then a quick change, a la Dart with the New York Giants last season, might not be off the table.
