Fernando Mendoza’s Raiders future comes into focus as owner reveals how the team will choose its starting QB

After an encouraging start to the 2026 NFL season featuring three consecutive victories, the Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) have stumbled back to earth with three straight losses at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, and Buffalo Bills.

Aside from the Week 5 blowout against New England, where first overall pick Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut in late garbage time, Las Vegas has remained competitive, largely due to veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins.

Cousins has quietly put up prolific numbers, ranking fifth across the league with 1,582 passing yards while leading the NFL with 14 touchdown passes. 

His strong individual play suggests that Mendoza's first official start remains distant, as rookie head coach Klint Kubiak shows no inclination to rush his developing rookie into action while the passing game continues to produce.

Mark Davis Confirms Mentorship Plan for Fernando Mendoza

Raiders owner Mark Davis understands the growing public anticipation surrounding Fernando Mendoza and embraces the rookie's relentless work ethic and mental preparation.

"I love his work ethic. I love that he’s like a sponge in terms of learning," Davis noted during an interview at the NFL owners meetings. "He wants to be the greatest. He enjoys the game, he’s competitive. Everything you think of, he’s got".

Despite the external noise, Davis intends to let his football operators dictate the timeline. For now, the assignment is development, accelerated by working alongside a seasoned veteran like Cousins and learning within an organization that boasts minority owner Tom Brady in the building.

Las Vegas hosts the 2-4 Los Angeles Rams this Sunday in a pivotal matchup to stay afloat in the competitive AFC. The outcome carries enormous weight, as the road ahead features arduous trips to face the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, followed by a home clash against the Seattle Seahawks and a divisional road trip to Denver.

Depending on how this upcoming gauntlet unfolds, the front office will either stick with Cousins as their QB1 or evaluate whether it is time to hand the franchise keys over to Mendoza for the stretch run.