Fernando Mendoza dealt harsh reality at Raiders minicamp as Kirk Cousins rejects mentor title

A burning question still resides over the Las Vegas Raiders.

That is who will start under center come Week 1 for a Raiders franchise who hope 2026 will be the beginning of a new era.

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Las Vegas cut the ribbon on this new vision, selecting an emotional Fernando Mendoza with the No.1 pick in the NFL Draft.

Three weeks prior, they signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a one-year deal, presumably to serve in a bridge / mentor role.

However, Cousins has made it clear that he does not want to be known as a mentor to the rookie.

“[It’s] more of a narrative than it is the truth,” Cousins said via Ryan McFadden of ESPN.

“They’re pretty good players, pretty experienced, and I’m learning a lot from them, too, and asking questions to them.

“Nobody’s leading more than someone else. I think we’re all a working force together, helping each other, giving feedback, giving perspective [and] giving another set of eyes.”

Cousins was released by the Atlanta Falcons at the start of the new league year, just two season after inking a four-year, $180 million contract.

The four-time Pro Bowler had a tumultuous time in Atlanta, with the Falcons immediately blindsiding him when they drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. just six weeks later.

Serving as the backup to the younger signal caller in 2025, after Penix Jr. suffered a torn ACL in Week 11, Cousins re-entered the starting lineup.

He would throw for 1,721 yards and 10 touchdowns to five interceptions, going 5-3.

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Cousins ahead in Raiders QB battle with benefits clear

Some Raiders fans want to see Mendoza start from Week 1, given the successes other rookies have shown when thrown straight into the mix.

However given Raiders general manager John Spytek, and new head coach Klint Kubiak’s comments, it’s assumed that Cousins will be given the honor.

“One other thought about @Raiders minicamp: Very impressed by how healthy Kirk Cousins looks,” NFL columnist Vincent Bonsignore reported on X.

“Far closer to Vikings Cousins than Falcons Cousins. You never know how things will play out, but whenever Fernando is ready, Cousins could be an attractive option for a contending team, should they need a QB at some point.”

Cousins by far has the most experience under Kubiak’s system, with the pair having spent time together with the Minnesota Vikings.

Starting Cousins could also benefit the Raiders. As Bonsignore notes in his report, a good season from Cousins will only make his trade value grow.

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A mid-season trade could certainly be on the cards to a team needing a quarterback – thus opening the door for Mendoza to take his place, after some invaluable weeks learning behind the veteran.

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