Las Vegas, Nevada. The Las Vegas Raiders have officially transitioned to a new era at the quarterback position. General Manager John Spytek announced on Tuesday that Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will serve as the team's starting quarterback. This decision follows the trade of veteran signal caller Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings.
Mendoza is set to make his first career start this Sunday. The Raiders will host the Seattle Seahawks, who are the reigning Super Bowl champions, at home. This marks Mendoza's second appearance of the season. He previously made his NFL debut late in a Week 5 loss against the New England Patriots, where he completed six of eight passes for 48 yards.
General Manager John Spytek stated that Mendoza passed every test required by the coaching staff. He noted that the young quarterback has worked diligently since joining the organization. Spytek described the decision as difficult, emphasizing Mendoza's growth as a person, teammate, and leader that put the front office in a position to make a change.
The Raiders, who currently hold a 4-5 record and remain in the playoff hunt, clarified that this move does not signal a punt on the current season. Spytek insisted the team intends to compete aggressively against the defending world champions just as they would in any other week of the schedule.
Head Coach Klint Kubiak reported that Mendoza exceeded expectations during practice. While waiting for his opportunity, Mendoza carried himself with the demeanor of a starter. He wore his helmet during games, stood near quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan, and recited playcalls heard through his headset. He also spent late nights on the indoor practice field reviewing the game plan.
Kubiak observed specific improvements in Mendoza's accuracy, offensive command, huddle efficiency, and management of two-minute drills. The coach added that Mendoza proved his mental readiness, spending Tuesday studying for the upcoming game. Kubiak noted that Mendoza's teammates recognize his preparation, which is evident on the practice field rather than just in conversation.
The Raiders selected Mendoza with the hope of establishing him as a franchise quarterback. During his lone season at Indiana, Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and helped the Hoosiers secure their first national title. He set career highs for passing yards with 3,535, touchdown passes with 41, and completion rate at 72%, while also achieving a 90.3 QBR.
Las Vegas believed Mendoza's accuracy, athleticism, and football intelligence fit the offensive scheme. However, the team aimed to be patient with his development. Discussions during his predraft interview outlined a plan to start the season with Cousins, allowing for a transition if Mendoza proved ready or if team performance dictated a change.
Cousins served as a solid placeholder, helping the Raiders improve their win total from the previous year. In nine starts, he threw for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His final start came in Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers, where he completed 22 of 32 passes for 216 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in a 38-17 defeat.
Kubiak and Spytek acknowledged the difficulty of moving on from Cousins, who played a key role in instilling a new culture in Las Vegas. However, the team felt it was time to embrace the future. Spytek concluded that Mendoza performed at a level in practice that was impossible to ignore, forcing the organization to make the necessary change.
