Fernando Mendoza Set For First NFL Start Against Seahawks After Raiders Trade Kirk Cousins

Fernando Mendoza Gets First Start After Kirk Cousins Trade© Instagram

Fernando Mendoza's wait is over. The Raiders have named the No. 1 overall pick their starting quarterback after trading Kirk Cousins to Minnesota, giving the rookie his first NFL start against Seattle on Sunday. Las Vegas announced the deal Tuesday, receiving a 2027 third-round pick, pending Cousins passing a physical. General manager John Spytek and coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Mendoza would take over. The Raiders are 4-5 with eight games remaining. Their next two opponents offer little room to settle in: the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks visit Allegiant Stadium before Las Vegas travels to Denver.

Raiders Turn To Mendoza After Nine Games Behind Cousins

Mendoza has played in only one regular-season game, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards late in the loss to New England. Most of his development has happened away from game-day cameras, with Cousins handling the starts.

Spytek said Mendoza's progress made Tuesday's decision difficult, rather than automatic. “He passed every test,” Spytek said.

The general manager credited the rookie's growth as a quarterback, leader and teammate. Kubiak also pointed to his preparation, saying the coaching staff believed he was physically and mentally ready.

That confidence has been building through practice. The Raiders resisted putting Mendoza straight into the lineup after selecting him first overall, choosing instead to let him learn behind a veteran familiar with Kubiak's offense.

Mendoza arrived with a Heisman Trophy and a national championship from Indiana. During his final college season, he completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and threw a nation-leading 41 touchdown passes. Cousins' departure now leaves the weekly game plan in his hands. Aidan O'Connell remains another experienced quarterback on the roster.

Seattle Awaits At Allegiant Stadium

Cousins offered Mendoza encouragement as he said goodbye to Las Vegas, posting a photograph of the pair together on social media.

The change does not mean the Raiders consider their season finished. Spytek rejected that interpretation during Tuesday's news conference, stressing that the club still intended to compete this year.

Mendoza inherits a team that has lost five of six games after opening 3-0. Sunday's 38-17 defeat at San Francisco left Las Vegas below .500 heading into the deadline.

Seattle arrives at 5-4 for a game scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Pacific on November 15. Denver follows on the road in Week 11.

The Raiders have spent nine games watching Cousins run the offense. Sunday will be Mendoza's first chance to lead it from the opening possession.