Raiders QB Situation Could Go Either Way

Las Vegas has options at quarterback with veteran Kirk Cousins and top draft pick Fernando Mendoza.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football player in motion, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the dynamic quarterback situation in Las Vegas.The Raiders' quarterback dilemma is a complex puzzle, with veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza both vying for the starting role.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders are in a strong position at quarterback heading into the 2026 NFL season. They signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins in free agency and are expected to select top prospect Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. The team must now decide whether to start the experienced Cousins or give the rookie Mendoza a chance to compete for the job.

Why it matters

The Raiders have struggled to find stability at quarterback in recent years, so having two talented options provides them with flexibility. Cousins brings veteran leadership while Mendoza represents the future of the franchise, creating an interesting dynamic as the team determines its starting QB for the 2026 season.

The details

Cousins, who has played for the Vikings and Commanders, signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Raiders in free agency. Mendoza, who had a standout career at Indiana University, is widely projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders must now decide whether to have Cousins start in 2026 while Mendoza learns the system, or open up a competition between the two in training camp.

  • The Raiders signed Cousins in free agency this offseason.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next week, where the Raiders hold the first overall pick.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who has played for the Vikings and Commanders, and recently signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Raiders.

Fernando Mendoza

A top quarterback prospect out of Indiana University, who is expected to be selected by the Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“It feels to me like Kirk Cousins. Money Talks, he is going to make $20 million as a quarterback for the Raiders. He has not been told that 'You're the week one starter.'”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider

“I do not believe he has been told because there is a chance that they get there and Fernando Mendoza is so good and so intellectually ready, which it sounds like you know... But I would say money generally talks, so I would expect him to be the starter. And how long it lasts? I don't know, but like, he played pretty well by the end of the year. I think he might have some years left.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider

What’s next

The Raiders will make their first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft next week, officially selecting Mendoza as their quarterback of the future. The team must then determine whether to start the veteran Cousins or give the rookie Mendoza a chance to compete for the starting job in training camp.

The takeaway

The Raiders' quarterback situation is an intriguing one, as they have both a proven veteran in Cousins and a highly touted rookie in Mendoza. This creates a delicate balance as the team must decide whether to go with the experienced Cousins or give the promising Mendoza an opportunity to win the starting job. Whichever path the Raiders choose, they are in a strong position to have stability at the quarterback position moving forward.