​The Las Vegas Raiders have been far more proactive under the Tom Brady regime than before. After the Pete Carroll and Geno Smith experiment failed last season, they were quick to change course with Klint Kubiak and Fernando Mendoza.Having already signed Kirk Cousins in early April as a bridge starter, the organization then drafted Mendoza first overall. The latest developments from the team’s camp suggest that the veteran might get the initial nod. For one insider, though, that decision is bizarre.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJoining the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025, Mendoza was instantly electric for them. Leading them to the national championship, his clutchness was a key factor in the team’s success. But the individual numbers were also spectacular for the youngster.Pouring in 41 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions, he also added 276 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground. As a result, the Raiders were extremely comfortable selecting him with the first overall pick, especially given their desperate need for a franchise QB.But the addition and potential elevation of Cousins has thrown a wrench in those plans. Soon turning 38, the former Minnesota Vikings star isn’t the caliber of player he once used to be. During his two years with the Atlanta Falcons, he started 22 games for them.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut a disastrous first year put him behind Michael Penix Jr. before the season was over, and he only got the starting job back in 2025 because of an injury ending Penix’s year early. During his time with the Falcons, he threw just 28 touchdowns, while committing 21 interceptions.BUILD YOUR OWN TOP 100: PFN’s FREE NFL Top 100 BuilderSimply put, the consistency and stability that Cousins was once renowned for aren’t there anymore. Last season, he ranked at number 24 on PFSN’s QB Impact Metrics, behind rookies like Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough.As a result, Mike Florio of NBC Sports is shocked by the growing sentiment in Las Vegas. “There’s a belief out there that Kirk Cousins is going to be the starter week one. And they’re going to let Fernando Mendoza sit and watch and learn.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSpeaking for “Pro Football Talk,” his surprise was evident. But he also believed it might not be the best plan for the team’s timeline and could lead to some immediate friction in the locker room as well.BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator“That may be fine in theory, but when you’re out on the practice field, if Mendoza is clearly better than Kirk Cousins this deep into his career at this age, late 30s, if Mendoza is clearly better, and you’ve got some grand strategic plan that you’re going to let him sit for a year, what’s Maxx Crosby going to say about that? What’s Brock Bowers going to say about that? What’s any veteran player going to say?”Going a step further, Florio continued to explain why the locker room wouldn’t accept such