# Why the Raiders Are Benching No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza for Kirk Cousins

**By Hank Morrow**  \nPublished September 20, 2026  \nUpdated September 20, 2026

> Las Vegas has installed 37-year-old veteran Kirk Cousins to start the season under center, allowing No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza time to adjust to the NFL behind the scenes.

When the Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, external expectations pointed toward the 22-year-old taking over under center immediately. Instead, head coach Klint Kubiak and the Las Vegas front office are taking a deliberate route with their rookie signal-caller. The Raiders have installed 37-year-old veteran Kirk Cousins as QB1 to open the season, establishing a structured buffer that allows Mendoza to adapt to the professional game without immediate regular-season pressure.

Initial reports surrounding Cousins' arrival suggested a long-term arrangement, but finalized details confirmed a one-year deal designed to anchor the offense while mentoring the rookie. Kubiak, coming off a Super Bowl victory as offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, signaled early in camp that he preferred a proven veteran to manage the huddle first, creating time for Mendoza to observe weekly preparation and absorb the system.

## A Strategic Pause Behind a 14-Year Veteran

Although Cousins' previous two campaigns with the Atlanta Falcons fell short of expectations, his decade-plus résumé brings substantial experience to the Las Vegas quarterback room:

- **Pro Bowl Selections:** 4 (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022)
- **Career Passing Production:** Over 44,700 passing yards and 298 touchdowns
- **Division Titles & Honors:** 2015 NFC East champion with Washington; 2023 Bart Starr Award recipient
- **Career Earnings:** Over $340 million through guaranteed contractsSpeaking on NFL Network's *Good Morning Football*, Cousins expressed complete comfort with the internal competition and his mentorship role alongside Mendoza.

blockquote>Honestly, I don't want to start unless I'm the best option. Best players should play. As long as that's the case, I have no qualms with however it plays out. I do think Fernando is going to be a great addition to our team. I think he's going to have a great future in the league. I have no problem being a voice in a room to help him to the degree that I can. — Kirk Cousins

## The FaceTime Call That Sold the Plan

The veteran addition was heavily influenced by Tom Brady, who plays an active role in shaping the organizational vision for Las Vegas. Before committing to the team in free agency, Cousins reached out to Brady to understand how the franchise envisioned the quarterback succession plan.

blockquote>You know me, I'm going to do my homework before I move my family and sign somewhere. Conversations here with the people in the Raiders organization, and one of those conversations was with Tom. I texted him and asked him to call me when he could. He actually FaceTimed me. I was at youth baseball practice. — Kirk Cousins

Cousins stepped away from the field to discuss the blueprint with Brady, coming away convinced that the franchise had a balanced developmental approach for Mendoza.

blockquote>I got off the call, and I called my wife, and I said, 'That was a really life-giving call with Tom. He really gets it, he's been where I've been, and then some.' I think he understands what it needs to look like, what it will look like. I felt a real shot in the arm after talking to him. I feel like that was a big nudge for me to come to Vegas. — Kirk Cousins

Brady's presence has extended directly into team facilities. On the first day of OTAs, the seven-time Super Bowl champion visited the quarterback room and cafeteria to connect with both Cousins and Mendoza.

blockquote>To have a guy who's won seven Super Bowls just a phone call or text away that's embedded in your organization, that's got to be a positive. — Kirk Cousins

## Evaluating the Bridge and the Rookie's Timeline

During preseason action against the Arizona Cardinals, Kubiak outlined an evaluation structure where starters logged brief work before turning snaps over to Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell.

blockquote>Look forward to seeing him out there with his teammates. Lot of guys that we need to evaluate, but he'll get plenty of reps. — Klint Kubiak on Fernando Mendoza

The Raiders' strategy balances immediate competitiveness with long-term security. If Cousins maintains efficient play and protects the ball, Las Vegas can keep Mendoza on the bench for an extended stretch—potentially through his entire rookie year, similar to Kansas City's early handling of Patrick Mahomes. However, should early-season performance stumble or injuries occur, Kubiak retains the flexibility to pivot to the top pick when the offense is ready.

## Sources

- [themirror.com](https://www.themirror.com/sport/american-football/raiders-mendoza-cousins-starting-quarterback-1805205) — original
- [foxnews.com](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/raiders-no-1-pick-fernando-mendoza-plenty-experience-preseason-debut-thursday) — original
- [marca.com](https://www.marca.com/en/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/2026/07/29/kirk-cousins-changed-fernando-mendoza-s-timeline-after-taking-the-raiders-qb1-job.html) — original