Fernando Mendoza named Raiders' starting quarterback
The Las Vegas Raiders named rookie Fernando Mendoza their starting quarterback after trading Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 third-round pick.
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The brief
The Las Vegas Raiders named rookie Fernando Mendoza their starting quarterback after trading Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 third-round pick, according to Yahoo Sports. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, posted an Instagram story with a photo of himself and Mendoza in Raiders uniforms and wrote, "Thank you Raider Nation! Go get em @fernandomendoza." The Raiders signed Cousins last April to a five-year, $172 million contract, then selected Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 draft. Head coach Klint Kubiak had declared Cousins the starter, and with him the Raiders reached a 4-5 record, already exceeding their three wins from the 2025 season, while the offense ranked among the top ten in points and passing yards per game. Mendoza's only regular-season appearance came in a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots, where he completed six of eight passes for 48 yards. He will now lead the Raiders against the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, two of the league's top defenses, in consecutive games.
Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 3d ago.
Quick answers
Why did the Raiders trade Kirk Cousins?
The source texts do not state why the Raiders traded Kirk Cousins; they only report the trade and the resulting quarterback change.
What did Kirk Cousins say about Fernando Mendoza?
Cousins posted an Instagram story with a photo of the two in Raiders uniforms and wrote, "Thank you Raider Nation! Go get em @fernandomendoza."
How has Fernando Mendoza performed in his limited NFL action?
Mendoza made one regular-season appearance in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards in a loss.
Coverage (30)
- Nick Wright shares why he’s ‘a little concerned’ about Fernando Mendoza now Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Fernando Mendoza Gets a Harsh Reality Check From Ex-Raiders HC Ahead of Seahawks Clash Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Fernando Mendoza credits Kirk Cousins’ family for shaping his NFL readiness Cleveland.com · 2d ago
- Fernando Mendoza and the Raiders' sit-and-learn plan: Is he ready to start? ESPN · 2d ago
- ‘A Lot of Dudes Don’t Do That’ — Pro Bowler Sees the Making of a Winner in Fernando Mendoza After Raiders QB’s Gesture Towards Kirk Cousins Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Seahawks Prepare For Raiders Opponent With Familiar Play-Caller Debuting QB Fernando Mendoza Seattle Seahawks · 2d ago
- Raiders-Seahawks: Fernando Mendoza faces top-ranked defense in 1st start Silver And Black Pride · 2d ago
- Raiders believe Fernando Mendoza is ‘more than ready’ to step into QB1 role Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Behind Seahawks’ rollout of white throwback jerseys set for 2027 The Seattle Times · 2d ago
- Jon Gruden Delivers Emphatic Message About Fernando Mendoza’s Raiders Future Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Bucky's Breakdown: 3 things needed from Fernando Mendoza to be successful in his starting debut Raiders.com · 2d ago
- The Raiders Have Given Meticulous Fernando Mendoza The Keys. What Should We Expect? FOX Sports · 2d ago
- Fernando Mendoza Gushes Over Kirk Cousins for Welcoming Him with ‘Open Arms’ as Rookie QB People.com · 2d ago
- Kirk Cousins returns to Lambeau Field as Vikings visit Packers CBS Sports · 2d ago
- Kirk Cousins will wear No. 8 again for Vikings NBC Sports · 2d ago
- Kirk Cousins Issued Candid Take on Vikings Future After Deadline Trade Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Raiders Have High Expectations For Mendoza, Even Against Seahawks Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Packers' Matt LaFleur blown away by the price Vikings paid for Kirk Cousins Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Fernando Mendoza Gushes Over Kirk Cousins for Welcoming Him with ‘Open Arms’ as Rookie QB Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Former Raiders GM says Las Vegas played QB situation 'perfectly' Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- Kirk Cousins sends Fernando Mendoza parting message after Raiders trade brings him back to Vikings Yahoo Sports · 3d ago
- Why Fernando Mendoza is replacing Kirk Cousins as Raiders QB Las Vegas Review-Journal · 3d ago
- Mendoza to take over as Raiders starter NBC Sports · 3d ago
- NFL trade deadline, odds: Las Vegas Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza is now the favorite to win Rookie of the Year at sportsbooks after Kirk Cousins deal Yahoo Sports · 3d ago
- No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza set to make first start vs. Seahawks Raiders.com · 3d ago
- Kirk Cousins passes torch to Fernando Mendoza with one final message New York Post · 3d ago
- Raiders name Fernando Mendoza starting QB after trading away Kirk Cousins ESPN · 3d ago
- Raiders name Fernando Mendoza starting QB after trading away Kirk Cousins ABC30 Fresno · 3d ago
- Raiders’ QB trade sets up No. 1 pick Mendoza for potential 1st start vs Seahawks Seattle Sports · 3d ago
- Fernando Mendoza inherits a 4-5 Raiders team and NFL history offers two wildly different outcomes CBS Sports · 3d ago
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