Mysterious Adam Schefter text message changes Fernando Mendoza's future with the Raiders
Kirk Cousins remains the favorite to open the season, but the No.1 pick’s takeover could be closer than it looks
The Las Vegas Raiders may begin the season with Kirk Cousins under center, but the franchise’s long-term quarterback plan is already casting a shadow over that decision.
Fernando Mendoza , the No.1 overall draft pick and presumed future face of the organization, is expected to start his rookie season on the bench.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter , however, that arrangement may not last as long as many expect.
“I was texting with somebody yesterday,” Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show. “They’re like, ‘Sooner than you think.’ I’m like, really?”
Schefter didn't identify the source of the message and stopped short of saying Mendoza is about to replace Cousins immediately.
His own expectation remains that Las Vegas opens the year with the veteran.
“I still think it’s going to be Kirk,” Schefter said. “I’d be surprised if it was anybody else other than Kirk at this point in time. I think that’s the way it’s been trending all along.”
Cousins appears to have Week 1 edge
Cousins entered training camp with a clear advantage.
He has years of starting experience, was signed specifically to stabilize the position and has the benefit of working under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak , who has been reluctant to rush Mendoza into action.
Schefter believes that experience will matter early in the season.
“I think Cousins starts the opener against the Miami Dolphins,” he said. “I think they want to go into veteran early in the season when there are some tough games on the schedule.”
That approach would allow Mendoza to continue developing without immediately carrying the pressure attached to being the top pick in the draft.
The Raiders have also kept Aidan O’Connell on the 53-man roster, giving them three quarterbacks and even more flexibility if the depth chart changes.
Mendoza’s future role not in question
The bigger mystery isn't whether Mendoza eventually becomes the starter, it's when.
“There’s no doubt his time is coming,” Schefter said. “He’s going to be the starter. He’s going to be the face of the franchise. The question is how soon?”
That is what makes the anonymous text so intriguing. Las Vegas can talk about patience now, but NFL seasons rarely follow a clean plan.
An injury, a slow start or a stretch of poor offensive performances could accelerate Mendoza ’s timeline quickly.
At the same time, one bad game from Cousins wouldn't necessarily be enough to trigger a change.
The Raiders brought in a veteran precisely so they wouldn't have to throw Mendoza into the lineup before he is ready.
Still, the message Schefter received suggests the internal timetable may be shorter than it appears from the outside. Cousins may get the first snap, but Mendoza may not have to wait very long for his.
