Analyst Advises Raiders to Sit Rookie QB Mendoza

Former Bengals star Chad Johnson believes slow development is key for young QBs.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:18am

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a quarterback's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors.A cubist interpretation of a quarterback's throwing motion captures the complex geometry and energy of the sport.Kansas City Today

Chad Johnson, a former star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, has weighed in on the quarterback situation for the Las Vegas Raiders. Johnson believes the Raiders would be smart to have veteran Kirk Cousins start the season and allow rookie Fernando Mendoza to develop slowly, rather than throwing him into the starting role right away. Johnson cited the examples of Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, who both sat behind veterans early in their careers before taking over as starters.

Why it matters

The decision on how quickly to play a highly drafted rookie quarterback is a critical one for NFL teams. Rushing a young QB into action can sometimes backfire, while allowing them to learn behind a veteran can pay dividends down the road. Johnson's comments provide an experienced perspective on the benefits of a gradual development process for young signal-callers.

The details

In an interview with Vegas Sports Today, Johnson said the Raiders should have Cousins start in Week 1 rather than immediately handing the reins to Mendoza, who is expected to be the team's first-round pick. Johnson pointed to the careers of Mahomes and Brady, who both sat behind veterans early on before eventually taking over as starters and finding great success. According to Johnson, 'the development of rookie quarterbacks is a lost gem' in today's NFL.

  • In 2017, Patrick Mahomes sat behind Alex Smith in Kansas City before taking over as the starter in 2018 and winning MVP.
  • Tom Brady had a poor start to his NFL career but took over as the starter in 2001 after Drew Bledsoe was injured and went on to win the Super Bowl that year.

The players

Chad Johnson

A former star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who is now an analyst.

Fernando Mendoza

The expected first-round draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, who is projected to be the team's quarterback of the future.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback who is likely to start for the Raiders in Week 1, allowing Mendoza to develop slowly.

Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback who sat behind Alex Smith early in his career before taking over as the starter and winning MVP.

Tom Brady

The legendary New England Patriots quarterback who took over as the starter in 2001 after Drew Bledsoe was injured and went on to win the Super Bowl that year.

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What they’re saying

“Kirk Cousins is probably going to be the starter for the Raiders. It would be smart for the development of Fernando Mendoza instead of throwing him out there to the wolves. Pat Mahomes and Tom Brady sat. The development of rookie quarterbacks is a lost gem.”

— Chad Johnson, Former Bengals wide receiver

“The best guy is going to play in Week 1.”

— John Spytek, Raiders GM

“I do not wish to start unless I am the best choice. I also spoke well of Mendoza's future.”

— Kirk Cousins, Raiders quarterback

What’s next

The Raiders will make a decision on their starting quarterback for Week 1 in the coming months, with veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza both vying for the job.

The takeaway

Chad Johnson's comments highlight the importance of allowing young quarterbacks to develop at their own pace, rather than rushing them into action. The examples of Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady show how sitting behind a veteran can pay dividends in the long run, and the Raiders appear to be taking a similar approach with Mendoza.