Now Fernando Mendoza faces the worst-case scenario heading into his rookie season

The Las Vegas Raiders made an important decision ahead of the start of the 2026 NFL season by naming Kirk Cousins their starting quarterback. The move means Fernando Mendoza , the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft, will have to wait for his opportunity from the sideline while continuing his transition to the professional level.

During the previous season with the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins played 302 passing snaps and posted a 75.0 PFF grade. The veteran quarterback finished with 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions , while also recording nine big-time throws and five turnover-worthy plays.

Although Cousins was initially expected to serve as a bridge quarterback while Mendoza developed, ESPN NFL analyst Booger McFarland believes the veteran could remain Las Vegas’ starter for much of the season.

“Cousins should be the starter. I think anytime that Tom Brady comes out and talks about how he likes to develop a quarterback, and we know what his imprint is on this organization, that’s what they’re going to do. I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see Fernando Mendoza until the bye week,” McFarland said during the September 2 edition of ‘NFL Live.’

“I think they’re going to bring this young quarterback along slowly. Let’s not forget, he only took four or five snaps under center in college. So, everything is new to him: lining up under center, taking the snap, executing play-action passes — everything is completely new.”

Fernando Mendoza will have time to develop without pressure

McFarland highlighted that the situation will allow Mendoza to learn the details of the position without the pressure of immediately taking over as the starter. With the Raiders’ bye week not scheduled until Week 13 , the rookie quarterback will have several months to gain experience and confidence.

“It would be foolish of us to think that he’s mastered that in four or five months,” McFarland added. “I think this is going to be Kirk Cousins’ job, barring injury, until at least the bye week. And regardless of what happens on the field, aside from injury, they’re going to play Kirk Cousins.”

“Realize that the Raiders are in this for the long haul. This is not about 2026. This is about 2027 and beyond. So you put Kirk Cousins out there, you let him start, and you move on from there.”

“You develop Fernando Mendoza at practice the way coaches develop quarterbacks at practice. That’s a key factor we don’t talk about enough. Yes, he’s not going to play, but what are you going to do to develop him during the week of practice?”