Fernando Mendoza setback as Raiders make QB decision with Joe Flacco and $320m veteran waiting

It is highly likely that Fernando Mendoza will be walking onto the stage and putting on a Las Vegas Raiders cap at the NFL Draft in April.

But amid all the excitement about the potential franchise QB, a quarterback contingency plan cannot be made up of just one rookie.

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After informing Geno Smith that he will be released when the league year begins on March 11, the Raiders‘ quarterback room currently only consists of Aidan O’Connell.

Kenny Pickett was on the 2025 roster, but his contract expires on March 11, and there is no rumored interest in his return.

Raiders general manager John Spytek, who has outlined what he looks for in a new quarterback, said at the NFL Combine that he may not be comfortable starting the season with a rookie under center.

The annual offseason carousel is in full swing, and the Raiders will have a plethora of veterans who could serve as a mentor for the former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback.

A name they have already been linked with is Kirk Cousins, who has netted just over $320 million in career earnings.

“Kirk Cousins would be a good mentor and nerd out partner for Mendoza,” The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen tweeted.

The Atlanta Falcons are releasing Cousins, and if he is willing to take a mentor role, it would make a ton of sense to reunite with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who previously coached him on the Minnesota Vikings.

Fans are also calling for the Silver and Black to make a move for Joe Flacco, should he consider a mentorship role for Mendoza in 2026.

“Mr. Flacco… how about starting for the Raiders until Fernando Mendoza is deemed ready?” one fan tweeted.

“Personally, I think Joe Flacco would be the perfect steady vet bridge QB for the Raiders. He can win some games if he needs to, he has a Super Bowl win, and lots of playoff exp. Seems like a great guy as well,” a second added.

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“Raiders are gonna get Joe Flacco and let Mendoza sit behind him for a year to watch,” a third said.

However, that looks hopeful at best, with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reporting that Flacco wants to a compete for a starting job and is strongly considered a return to the Bengals

Fans urge Spytek to start Mendoza on Day One

There is an argument, however, that Mendoza should be let loose and start immediately, and the evidence can be found during the 2025 playoffs.

Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Bo Nix all reached the divisional round of the playoffs, some went further, in their second years in the league.

All three started their rookie seasons, and there were obviously going to be bumps in the road, but the real argument is that all became better players because of the experience they gained.

Cam Ward, who was the 2025 No.1 Draft pick, started every game for the Tennessee Titans last campaign, and showed real signs of improvement towards the end of the season.

“This is very disappointing (as a Raider fan) to hear,” one fan posted on X.

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“The best way to learn how to swim is to throw the kid in the middle of the ocean, and either he swims or dies. Start Mendoza on Day One!” a second added.

“If he can’t start day one then don’t draft him. What are we doing?” a third said.

If the Raiders opt to sit Mendoza to start the season it could do him more harm than good.

The Heisman Trophy winner had the perfect college season, leading Indiana to its first National Championship in program history.

If the Raiders and Tom Brady are willing to take him first overall, it’s likely that it will be to lead the team immediately.

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