Raiders Accelerate Mendoza Transition Following Kirk Cousins Trade

The Las Vegas Raiders have confirmed that Fernando Mendoza will assume the starting quarterback position immediately following the trade of Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings. According to sources speaking to NFL Network, the organization had already determined that the No. 1 overall draft pick would take the field within the next few weeks, regardless of whether the veteran quarterback remained on the roster.

The timeline for Mendoza's debut was already set in stone before the trade was finalized on Tuesday. Had the Raiders lost their Sunday matchup against the Seattle Seahawks and subsequently fallen to the Denver Broncos on November 22, the plan was for Mendoza to start against the Cleveland Browns on November 29. While the team publicly maintained that a plan existed for the rookie, the specific details were kept private until now.

The decision to move forward with the rookie was influenced by the team's current 4-5 record. The coaching staff believed that if the Raiders suffered two consecutive defeats, their chances of making the playoffs would diminish significantly, making it the right time to transition to their future starter.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak expressed strong confidence in Mendoza's readiness for the role. Kubiak noted that the organization believes the reigning Heisman Trophy winner works harder than initially expected. He emphasized that the quarterback's preparation is evident to his teammates and is not merely a show, but a consistent display of effort on the practice field.

The transition has been supported by extensive mentorship from veteran quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan. Since the spring, Mendoza has engaged in a unique training regimen that has allowed him to simulate game conditions without taking the majority of the first-team snaps.

During practice sessions, Mendoza would call the plays to Sullivan separately from the main group. He would then run through the footwork as if he were the quarterback, while Cousins took the primary reps with the first team. This process provided Mendoza with additional mental repetitions and allowed him to internalize the playbook in a low-pressure environment.

During actual games, Sullivan and Mendoza would position themselves approximately 30 yards away from the action. Mendoza would practice calling the plays, making necessary adjustments, and observing how Cousins executed the calls. This setup effectively gave the rookie a personal tutor, allowing him to study the offense in real time.

Sullivan highlighted the rapid improvement in Mendoza's ability to command the offense. The coach noted that the rookie's articulation of huddle calls and communication at the line of scrimmage have improved consistently. Sullivan attributed much of this progress to Mendoza's own diligence and work ethic.

The training routine also included detailed film study sessions after practice. Sullivan and Mendoza would review footage of Mendoza's performance on the scout team, repeating any plays where miscues occurred. Additionally, the rookie studied the opposing offense to deepen his understanding of the game.

While Cousins handled the majority of passing reps, the Raiders did integrate Mendoza into first-team drills on a limited basis. If the first team focused on the rushing offense, Mendoza would occasionally receive a snap or two to maintain familiarity with the starting group. With the trade to Minnesota completed for a 2027 third-round pick, the focus now shifts entirely to Mendoza as the Raiders look toward the future.