Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza in line to make first career start vs. Seahawks after Kirk Cousins trade
The Las Vegas Raiders will turn to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza for his first career NFL start this Sunday, taking on the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium. Mendoza, the team’s first-round pick and a recent college national champion, steps in after the Raiders traded veteran Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 third-round selection.
The move marks the official beginning of Mendoza’s tenure as the Raiders’ starter, following a four-game losing streak that saw Cousins remain under center despite the team’s struggles. Las Vegas enters the matchup at 4-5, with Mendoza facing two of the NFL’s toughest defenses in his first two starts, including the Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, both ranked among the league’s top units in points allowed and sacks.
Mendoza has attempted just eight regular-season passes, all in relief of Cousins during a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots. The 23-year-old quarterback learned under Cousins, who posted a 20:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio and led the Raiders to a strong start before the recent skid.
Cousins, now 38, played with a clear understanding of his limited role, prioritizing the team’s success even as he mentored Mendoza. The Raiders’ first-year head coach, Klint Kubiak, will now rely on Mendoza to navigate a challenging stretch, including back-to-back games against elite defenses before the team’s Week 13 bye.
