Raiders' Fernando Mendoza Reacts to Being Named Kirk Cousins' Backup
Summary
The Las Vegas Raiders picked Fernando Mendoza as their new quarterback with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, head coach Klint Kubiak announced that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will start the season as the team's primary quarterback.Key Facts
- Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Raiders.
- Kirk Cousins, age 38, was named the starting quarterback for the Raiders at the start of training camp.
- Cousins is on a five-year contract worth $172 million, signed in April.
- Cousins played most of the reps with the first team during the offseason program.
- Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said Cousins "deserves" the starting role for playing well recently.
- Mendoza expressed support for the team’s decision and said his main focus is winning.
- Tom Brady, a Raiders minority owner and football operations advisor, reportedly influenced the decision to start Cousins.
- The starting role could change if Mendoza performs better than Cousins during training camp.
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