Full Breakdown
Raiders Weigh Rookie Quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s Role Amid Veteran Presence
8/7/2026, 10:59:03 AM
Core Event
The Las Vegas Raiders have drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick and simultaneously signed veteran Kirk Cousins. Head coach Klint Kubiak has indicated that Mendoza’s primary task this offseason is to learn during training camp rather than assume the starting role immediately. The team’s first preseason game is scheduled for next Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals.
Background & Context
Mendoza entered the league as the top draft selection, prompting debate over whether modern NFL teams should allow rookie quarterbacks to develop behind an experienced starter. Former Raiders part-owner Tom Brady has publicly advocated for a “sit-and-learn” approach, likening Mendoza’s potential path to that of Eli Manning, who backed up Kurt Warner before becoming a starter. The Raiders’ decision aligns with a broader league trend where teams balance immediate performance pressures against long-term quarterback development.
Coach Klint Kubiak’s Assessment
Kubiak told reporters after a padded-practice session that Mendoza’s performance will naturally fluctuate. He emphasized that the rookie’s growth is expected to be uneven but encouraging, noting that “there’s 60-to-80 plays in a game, and there’s going to be ups and downs.” Kubiak added that he does not anticipate perfection from Mendoza at this stage and that the team will continue to challenge him as camp progresses.
Tom Brady’s Influence
According to NFL insider Dan Graziano, Brady is the most influential voice in the Raiders’ football operations and has urged the organization to wait before starting Mendoza. Graziano reported that Brady believes it would be a “tragedy” to force rookie quarterbacks into early starting roles and suggested that Mendoza should sit until the team feels ready for a quarterback switch. Graziano also referenced a conversation with Eli Manning, who recalled the benefits of backing up a veteran before taking over full-time.
Potential Impact
If Mendoza remains a backup through the preseason, the Raiders can evaluate his development against Cousins’ performance in live game situations. The approach may provide Mendoza with visual and mental reps while preserving team competitiveness. Conversely, an early start could accelerate Mendoza’s on-field experience but carries the risk of exposing a rookie to high-pressure scenarios before he is fully acclimated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s 60-to-80 plays in a game, and there’s going to be ups and downs,” — Klint Kubiak, whenever head coach
- “I think if Kirk Cousins doesn't start Week 1 for the Raiders, assuming he's healthy, at this point, that would be a surprise,” — Dan Graziano
- “I always go back to a conversation I had with Eli Manning about six, seven years into his career, and he said he was glad he did both things his rookie year,” — Dan Graziano
What’s Next
The Raiders will showcase both quarterbacks in their upcoming preseason matchup against the Cardinals, offering further insight into Mendoza’s readiness and the effectiveness of the sit-and-learn strategy.
