Fernando Mendoza Has “Real Chance” to Win Starting Job
The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a genuine quarterback battle between veteran Kirk Cousins and first overall pick Fernando Mendoza, according to Vincent Bonsignore. “There’s actually a real QB battle in Raiders camp,” Bonsignore posted. “I still believe Kirk gets the opener, but it’s not etched in stone. Fernando has a real chance to win the job.”
Cousins opened training camp atop the unofficial depth chart, with Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell behind him, and new head coach Klint Kubiak has been consistent in saying he’d prefer his rookie quarterback develop behind a veteran rather than being thrown in immediately. That preference lines up with most outside expectations. Since Cousins signed with Las Vegas in April, ahead of the Raiders using the No. 1 overall pick on Mendoza, the presumption around the league has been that Cousins bridges the gap while the rookie gets up to speed.
Camp reports so far paint a mixed but not discouraging picture of Mendoza’s early development. When Cousins was held out of a recent practice following a camp altercation, Mendoza got his first extended look with the starters. ESPN’s Ryan McFadden reported that Mendoza had some rough moments, overthrowing receiver Jack Bech a couple of times and struggling with a center exchange, but he didn’t get rattled, responding with one of his best throws of camp, a touchdown zipped through tight coverage to Tre Tucker in the red zone. In a separate practice, observers noted a composed, in-rhythm outing that included a throw to Mike Washington delivered calmly under pressure.
That combination, real rookie mistakes paired with flashes of composure and arm talent, is typical for a first-year quarterback and doesn’t necessarily support a narrative of him falling behind in the competition. If anything, it reflects a rookie still finding his footing while showing the traits that made him the top overall pick after a Heisman-winning, national championship season at Indiana.
A strong preseason could still force the Raiders’ hand. If Mendoza continues to show growth and Las Vegas’ coaching staff feels comfortable with his readiness, there’s a real scenario where he opens the season under center against the Dolphins in Week 1, rather than watching from the sideline as originally planned. For now, Cousins remains the presumed favorite for that opener, but as Bonsignore’s reporting makes clear, nothing about that outcome is locked in.
