Raiders Make Move That Guarantees Fernando Mendoza Will Be QB2 to Start Rookie Season

Barring a major injury or some awful play in training camp, a new addition by the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday guarantees that projected No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza will start his rookie season as a backup. Heading into this month’s NFL Draft , there is only one sure thing: Indiana star Fernando Mendoza will be selected by the Raiders with the top overall pick.

As of now, it seemed like the Heisman Trophy winner would be the team’s starter in Week 1. Well, that looks unlikely now. On Thursday morning, Kirk Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney , broke the news on social media that his client has signed a free agent contract with Las Vegas.

“Congrats, Kirk Cousins , on agreeing to a contract with the Raiders,” he wrote in the post. New Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak recently admitted that he would prefer Mendoza to sit and learn for at least the early part of his rookie season in the league. Today’s move likely guarantees that.

However, there is an outside chance Mendoza could still be the team’s QB1 in Week 1. Cousins is a four-time Pro Bowler and has had some great seasons during his 14-year career. However, if you haven’t watched the NFL over the last two years, the Related Headlines Las Vegas Raiders Tried Signing Super Bowl QB Las Vegas Raiders GM John Spytek, Coach Klint Kubiak Address Maxx Crosby Trade Fallout at NFL Meetings Las Vegas Raiders Switch to 3-4 Defense: What Rob Leonard’s Scheme Change Means for the 2026 Roster