The Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback situation is turning as complex as it can get. Klint Kubiak and co have recently signed Kirk Cousins, days ahead they are expected to acquire top prospect Fernando Mendoza as the No 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, there is widespread debate over who starts.
Cousins, 37, was released by the Atlanta Falcons after two disappointing seasons in which he was supplanted by young signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. The veteran has now managed to get a lucrative five-year, $172 million contract with the Raiders. Despite the headline figure, the deal is structured to function as a one-year, $20 million agreement for the 2026 season.
For Mendoza, this means there is some competition at the top. As per several experts, Cousins will be a mentor to the rookie and also start at least for the initial part of the season. This means the 22-year-old Heisman winner could spend his rookie season on bench.
However, there is one expert who believes that starting Fernando Mendoza makes much more sense.
Why Fernando Mendoza should start over Kirk Cousins
NFL analyst Chase Daniel weighed in, suggesting the presence of Cousins could serve as a developmental bridge, but also argued that the rookie should ultimately be the starter when ready, emphasizing the importance of building a ‘high character and high IQ’ QB room.
That perspective, however, has divided fans.
“Tom Brady, Spytek, and Klint Kubiak all stated that it would be advantageous for a rookie to sit behind a veteran. Who should I believe here, hahaha. That’s rhetorical, btw,” one fan reacted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.
“That should be the goal, no doubt, but who knows where Fernando will be come September. He’s coming from a very college offense, so would expect a longer transition period. Don’t rush him out if he is not ready,” another fan added.
“This is just a ridiculous take. Nurture that kid,” a third fan wrote.
Fernanco Mendoza vs Kirk Cousins debate
The debate centers on readiness versus long-term development. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg echoed that sentiment during Get Up, stressing that timing should depend entirely on Mendoza’s progress.
“it should be determined by his readiness,” Greenberg added.
He further suggested that Mendoza could start as early as Week 1, later in the season, or even sit out his entire rookie year and debut in 2027, depending on how quickly he adapts to the NFL.
