Full Breakdown
Raiders Weigh Starting No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza vs. Veteran Kirk Cousins
5/6/2026, 5:55:58 PM
Background & Context
The Raiders, after finishing last in the NFL, used the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. To ease his transition, they signed veteran Kirk Cousins as a bridge. Head coach Klint Kubiak said “ideally you don’t want a rookie to start from Day 1,” and part-owner Tom Brady warned that forcing rookies to play early is a “tragedy.” The team must decide between immediate deployment and gradual development.
Data & Statistics
In the past 20 years, 16 quarterbacks were taken No. 1 overall; all started at least one game as rookies, 12 in Week 1, and the last six in Week 1. Cousins posted a 76.0 PFF grade in 2023 with 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Official Statements & Responses
Kubiak reiterated his preference to avoid a rookie start, stressing development over immediate play. Cousins said he will only start if he is “the best option,” emphasizing merit-based playing time. Mendoza called his rookie minicamp a “wake-up call,” noting the need to master under-center snaps and quick-step footwork. No official start date has been set.
Criticism & Opposition
Tom Brady called the pressure to start rookie quarterbacks a “tragedy,” warning it can hinder long-term growth. Analyst Nate Burleson argued Cousins’ large contract signals the team expects him to start, noting “you don’t pay a guy that much just to teach a young buck how to throw the ball.”
On-the-Ground Reports
In rookie minicamp, Mendoza took more under-center snaps than at Indiana and said, “Wow, I have a lot to work on.” He stressed the shift from shotgun to a system demanding precise timing with the line and highlighted studying film of Cousins and Sam Darnold.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Historical data shows No. 1 picks often start immediately, yet the Raiders publicly favor a gradual integration. No official timeline has been released, leaving the start date uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ideally, you don't want a rookie to start from Day 1.” — Klint Kubiak, head coach
- “I honestly don’t want to start unless I’m the best option, and I told Klint that,” — Kirk Cousins, quarterback
- “The best player should play.” — Kirk Cousins, quarterback
- “Wow, I have a lot to work on,” — Fernando Mendoza, rookie quarterback
- “I think Kirk’s going to have to fumble that opportunity away,” — Nate Burleson, analyst
- “forcing these rookies to play early.” — Tom Brady, part-owner
What’s Next
The Raiders will hold OTAs and mandatory minicamp in the next weeks, giving Mendoza further exposure to Kubiak’s playbook. Preseason performance will decide his role.
