​The Las Vegas Raiders will face a pivotal choice during training camp and the preseason: stick with veteran Kirk Cousins or hand the starting role to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Indications lean toward Cousins earning the job, with Mendoza expected to bide his time on the bench until head coach Klint Kubiak determines he is ready to lead the franchise. It’s a demanding scenario for Kubiak, who must balance winning games for the Silver and Black with developing the face of the franchise.
As camp nears and the decision looms, former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr weighed in on Mendoza’s path and how his development might unfold. Speaking on the July 10 edition of Good Morning Football, Carr said he’s thrilled the Raiders are bringing a young quarterback into the fold. His hope is that Mendoza will have time to learn, recognizing the substantial adjustment from the offense Mendoza ran at Indiana to what Kubiak will require in the NFL, including reads, defensive looks, and the myriad complexities of professional football.
In college, Mendoza logged 724 total snaps for the Indiana Hoosiers, earning an 87.9 overall PFF grade. He threw for 2,758 yards and 32 touchdowns against five interceptions, while posting 16 big-time throws and nine turnover-worthy plays. He also added 200 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, showing both pocket efficiency and mobility.
Even if Mendoza begins his Raiders tenure behind Cousins, Carr maintains a hopeful outlook for the young signal-caller’s growth. Carr noted that the Raiders can help Mendoza with techniques like bootlegs, screens, and play-action, but emphasized the importance of giving him time to learn and adapt. He pointed out that third down and two-minute drill situations differ significantly between the Big Ten and the NFL, underscoring the learning curve ahead and the need for patience. Carr concluded with well-wishes for Mendoza, expressing his desire to see the rookie succeed and even break Carr’s own records.
Looking ahead to the start of the 2026 season, it will be interesting to see whether the Raiders can win games with Cousins at the helm or whether a slow start could accelerate Mendoza’s ascent to the starting role and mark the beginning of a new era for the franchise. In the meantime, there is growing attention on the connections Mendoza forms with his teammates, including second-year wideout Dont’e Thornton Jr., who is eager to build rapport with the rookie.
During a June 29 appearance on Burn Factory, Thornton shared his impressions of the No. 1 overall pick, noting a compelling and consistent vibe about Mendoza. Thornton described Mendoza as exactly the person seen in pre-draft videos and others’ expectations—someone who remains steady and unfazed: “He’s the same person. It’s like he’s never had a bad day in his life. Nando doesn’t care, bro. I swear, Nando makes me feel good.” The positive energy from Mendoza is one thing Thornton highlighted as a factor that could help foster early chemistry between the quarterback and the Raiders’ receivers.
As the Raiders prepare for camp, all eyes will be on the quarterback battlefield, the growth trajectory for Mendoza, and the surrounding cast that could help shape the team’s fortunes in 2026. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Cousins can stabilize the offense and win games from the outset or if Mendoza’s development tempo accelerates a future where he becomes the franchise’s face in short order.