Former QBs Weigh In on Raiders' Quarterback Situation

Veteran Kirk Cousins signed as a 'bridge' QB for rookie Fernando Mendoza, but some wonder if Mendoza could take the job sooner.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in shades of blue, orange, and silver, conceptually representing the multifaceted quarterback competition in the Raiders' camp.The Raiders' quarterback situation is a complex, multi-layered challenge as they balance veteran leadership and rookie potential.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have a unique quarterback situation heading into the 2026 NFL season, having signed veteran Kirk Cousins as a 'bridge' QB while planning to draft Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. Former Raiders QBs Derek and David Carr discussed whether Mendoza could be ready to start from Week 1, even with Cousins on the roster.

Why it matters

The Raiders' plan to develop Mendoza while having Cousins as a veteran mentor is an interesting approach, but there's speculation Mendoza could be NFL-ready sooner than expected, potentially challenging Cousins for the starting job in training camp.

The details

The Raiders have been open about their plan to have Cousins serve as a 'bridge' quarterback for Mendoza, the team's future franchise QB. However, some wonder if Mendoza will be so impressive in training camp that he forces his way into the starting role right away, rather than sitting behind Cousins for the entire season.

  • The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins as a free agent in the 2026 offseason.
  • The Raiders hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are expected to select Fernando Mendoza.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback signed by the Raiders as a 'bridge' QB to mentor their future franchise QB.

Fernando Mendoza

The quarterback the Raiders are expected to select with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who they hope will be their future franchise QB.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Tom Brady

A minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like Fernando is going to start Week 1 through. Kirk will be there for insurance. Make sure the kid is all right. He will be good in the locker room with him. They will dig in, and Kirk is going to be able to say, 'This is what I was doing.' I feel like Mendoza could see sounds.”

— David Carr, Former NFL quarterback

“I think he is going to be so ready and so prepared, he is going to blow him away that he will be there. They [Cousins & Mendoza] look like they are on the same wavelength. They think the same way.”

— Derek Carr, Former NFL quarterback

What’s next

The Raiders' quarterback situation will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2026 NFL offseason, as the team determines whether Mendoza or Cousins will be their Week 1 starter.

The takeaway

The Raiders' unique approach of signing a veteran 'bridge' QB while drafting their future franchise QB could pay dividends, but there's a chance Mendoza could be NFL-ready sooner than expected, potentially challenging Cousins for the starting job right away.