Mendoza relishes 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity, had 'no inkling' of Cousins deal

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  Ryan McFaddenNov 11, 2026, 07:07 PM ET

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  Ryan McFadden covers the Las Vegas Raiders for ESPN's NFL Nation. Prior to ESPN, McFadden was a Denver Broncos beat reporter for the Denver Post. McFadden also wrote about the Baltimore Ravens and University of Maryland athletics for The Baltimore Sun.

HENDERSON, Nev. -- Thrust back into the spotlight after months as Kirk Cousins' understudy, No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza said Wednesday it's a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to be the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback.

Being the starter is a "new step" in his career, said Mendoza. Nonetheless, he avoids making the moment bigger than it has to be.

Mendoza's starting debut Sunday will come against the reigning Super Bowl champs and one of the league's most imposing defenses, the Seattle Seahawks.

Through his preparation and Cousins' mentorship since the spring, Mendoza is confident in his ability to run the offense and has gained the utmost trust from his teammates and coach Klint Kubiak.

"I'm a lot more confident as a quarterback and feel more developed, whether it's [playing] under center, connecting with teammates, understanding an NFL scheme," Mendoza said Wednesday. "There are so many areas that I have improved on, and I look forward to keep on improving."

Kubiak said this week shouldn't feel like a whirlwind for Mendoza because he has been preparing the right way from the beginning. Kubiak also said the Raiders will not be "peeling back anything" in their offense, as the coach is comfortable with Mendoza running the entire playbook.

"We're going to go do what the whole team does best, all 11, and then he does his part distributing the football," Kubiak said.

Mendoza's teammates understand the challenges of adjusting to the pro level and are rallying behind the 23-year-old signal caller. Tight end Brock Bowers said he's "excited" for Mendoza's first start and can't wait to see him sling the ball around the field.

Bowers said Mendoza has a good challenge ahead of him, facing Seattle's defense that has allowed the fewest total yards per game in the league (244.2) and is tied for fourth in points allowed per game (18).

"Everyone has faith in him," Bowers said. "[Mendoza] might have a bad play here and there, but you just got to flush it. I know he does a good job at that."

Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker said there's nothing Mendoza can't do and that he brings consistency, a trait Tucker likes to see from a quarterback.

Tucker said Wednesday's practice with Mendoza as QB1 went "great" and it was good to see Mendoza in a flow.

"We've been seeing it all year," Tucker said. "He's been taking reps with us. He's been doing everything, and you just see a throw in practice and say, 'Wow.' For that to be out there this Sunday is gonna be fun."

Despite all the attention shifted to Mendoza, Cousins' absence in the locker room was clearly felt. The Raiders' decision to trade Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings left many surprised, including Mendoza, who was in the locker room when the news broke.

Mendoza said he had "no inkling" his mentor would be traded away.

"People were like, 'Kirk got traded,' and everyone just said that's the nature of the business, and that's how it is," Mendoza said. "And I'm excited to see Kirk in his future."

Mendoza commended Cousins and his family for welcoming him with open arms. Cousins welcomed Mendoza into his household while in Las Vegas, was never dismissive and offered guidance without any restraints.

"Everyone [saw] the Netflix show and you hear things from media, but to actually be in with him and spend long hours just in the quarterback room with him was extremely special," Mendoza said. "I'm going to miss him, and I really appreciate and am deeply thankful for everything that the Cousins family has offered to me."

Raiders starting center Tyler Linderbaum said he was "absolutely" surprised by Cousins' departure. He said Cousins put himself in a position where teams wanted him, but Linderbaum wished that wasn't the case.

Tucker said it was hard to see Cousins leave, calling him "one of the best human beings" he has ever met. Tucker said he knew this day was coming, which made it easier for him to handle the past 24 hours. Tucker said Cousins left the Raiders in a better place than he found them.

One of Tucker's best memories was seeing the dynamic between Cousins and Mendoza.

"How Kirk is now, that's how Fernando will be when he's Kirk's age," Tucker said. "They were great together."