.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
Fernando Mendoza became the face of the Las Vegas Raiders’ future the moment they selected him first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That does not mean the future begins in Week 1.
Raiders general manager John Spytek indicated that veteran Kirk Cousins is expected to open the season as the starting quarterback and emphasized that Mendoza must earn his opportunity, according to Silver and Black Pride. The decision might frustrate fans eager to watch the rookie. It also gives Las Vegas a chance to avoid making Mendoza responsible for an entire rebuilding project before he is ready.
Fernando Mendoza can benefit from Raiders’ patience
The NFL has created an uncomfortable expectation around highly drafted quarterbacks. If a team selects a player near the top of the draft, the assumption is that he must start immediately. Every practice repetition taken by a veteran is treated as wasted development time.
Fernando Mendoza could be the Raiders' starting quarterback soon, says NFL Insider https://t.co/9JjPH3tpiM pic.twitter.com/dWlNwIDXKz
— New York Post (@nypost) September 1, 2026Quarterback development is rarely that simple. Mendoza must learn an NFL playbook, adjust to professional defensive speed and improve his command of protections. Allowing Cousins to open the season gives the rookie time to handle those responsibilities without every mistake affecting the standings.
Cousins also provides a useful model. He has started 166 regular-season games and earned four Pro Bowl selections. Whatever physical limitations remain at this stage of his career, he understands how to prepare, diagnose coverages and manage the less glamorous responsibilities of playing quarterback.
MORE: Myles Garrett trade accidentally convinced Aaron Donald to return to NFL
Mendoza can learn from that process before taking over.
The Raiders also are building a young roster around him. Spytek stressed development while discussing the final 53-man group, and running back Ashton Jeanty continues recovering from an ankle injury. Rookie Mike Washington could receive a meaningful early role in Klint Kubiak’s offense.
Throwing Mendoza into an incomplete lineup would not automatically accelerate the rebuild. The key is ensuring patience does not become avoidance. If Cousins struggles and Mendoza demonstrates he is ready, Las Vegas should not protect the veteran simply to maintain its original plan.
Mendoza must earn the job, but the Raiders eventually must allow him to continue learning on the field. For now, Cousins gives Las Vegas a bridge. Mendoza’s selection remains a bet on the next decade, not an order to rush the first month.
English (US)