Will Fernando Mendoza start for the Raiders in his rookie season?

No, the Las Vegas Raiders are not expected to start Fernando Mendoza, their No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, during his rookie season.

Who will start at quarterback for the Raiders in 2026?

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was signed in free agency this offseason, is expected to start for the Raiders.

What is coach Klint Kubiak's philosophy on rookie quarterbacks?

Coach Klint Kubiak prefers rookie quarterbacks to learn behind a veteran player for at least one season before starting, believing it helps them develop.

Home / Sports / Raiders QB Pick to Watch, Not Play, in 2026

Raiders QB Pick to Watch, Not Play, in 2026

24 Apr

•

Summary

Raiders' No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza won't start rookie season.
Coach Kubiak prefers rookie QB learns behind veteran.
Veteran Kirk Cousins expected to start for Raiders.

Raiders QB Pick to Watch, Not Play, in 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders, having selected Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, do not anticipate him starting during his debut season. Head coach Klint Kubiak expressed a preference for allowing the rookie quarterback to develop.

"Ideally, you don't want him to start from Day 1," Kubiak stated. He believes it's beneficial for a young player to observe and learn from an established veteran, though he acknowledges that circumstances sometimes necessitate an immediate starting role.

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, acquired during the recent free agency period, is projected to be the Raiders' starter. Despite his experience, Cousins has exhibited a decline in performance in recent years, which could accelerate Mendoza's path to the starting lineup.