Raiders' Plan Will Prepare Mendoza for Las Vegas' Bright Lights

Las Vegas drafts top QB prospect Fernando Mendoza, but will let veteran Kirk Cousins lead the offense initially.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:00am

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The Las Vegas Raiders are set to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. To help Mendoza's development, the team has signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to start the season and allow Mendoza to learn the offense before taking over as the starter.

Why it matters

The Raiders have struggled at quarterback in recent seasons, and Mendoza is seen as the long-term solution. However, the team is taking a measured approach to his transition to the NFL, prioritizing his growth over immediate playing time.

The details

The Raiders signed Cousins shortly after Mendoza's Pro Day, with the plan for the veteran to lead the offense initially and allow Mendoza to learn the system before taking over as the starter. Head coach Gary Kubiak explained the team's approach, saying they want to make sure Mendoza is 'mature enough to handle some adversity' whether he starts right away or in his second year.

  • The Raiders are set to draft Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
  • Mendoza participated in Indiana University's Pro Day on April 1, 2026.
  • The Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins shortly after Mendoza's Pro Day.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A top quarterback prospect who the Raiders are set to draft with the No. 1 overall pick.

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who the Raiders signed to start the season and allow Mendoza to learn the offense before taking over as the starter.

Gary Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who explained the team's approach to Mendoza's development.

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What they’re saying

“I think in a perfect world that he's watching a mature adult go and run an offense and run the team, but the situation is you might have that player, you might not. You might not have that veteran just showing the way, so he might come in and have to play immediately, but you'd rather him learn before he gets in the game. You don't always get to pick.”

— Gary Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

The Raiders will draft Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and he will spend his rookie season learning behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins before taking over as the starter.

The takeaway

The Raiders are taking a patient and measured approach to developing their new franchise quarterback, prioritizing Mendoza's long-term growth over immediate playing time. This strategy could pay dividends as they look to build a sustainable winner in Las Vegas.