Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza Plan Gets Head-Turning Update

The Las Vegas Raiders had already mapped out a clear path for Fernando Mendoza to take over under center in the coming weeks, independent of any trade involving Kirk Cousins, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

The organization viewed the No. 1 overall pick from the 2026 draft as ready enough to step in soon, particularly if the team’s playoff hopes began to fade after a pair of tough losses.

Sitting at 4-5, Las Vegas had publicly insisted a developmental plan existed for the former Indiana star and Heisman Trophy winner, even while keeping the precise timeline private. The contingency centered on results against strong competition.

Sources indicated that a loss Sunday to the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, followed by another defeat to the Denver Broncos on Nov. 22, would have triggered Mendoza’s first start on Nov. 29 against the Cleveland Browns.

That schedule-driven timeline reflected the team’s internal assessment that consecutive setbacks would make the postseason an uphill climb, making it logical to turn to the future.

The recent trade of Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 third-round pick simply accelerated a transition that was already on the horizon rather than inventing one from scratch. With Cousins now gone, the timeline has become immediate.

Head coach Klint Kubiak has emphasized that Mendoza will operate with the full offensive playbook from the outset.

The staff believes the rookie’s work ethic has exceeded even their high expectations, a view reinforced by what teammates and coaches have observed on the practice field. Kubiak noted that Mendoza’s preparation is visible and genuine, not merely words.

Quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan has played a central role in that process since the spring, serving essentially as a dedicated tutor. In practice, Mendoza has routinely called the play privately to Sullivan, then gone through his footwork and mental process as if he were the starter, even while Cousins took the bulk of first-team snaps.

During games, the two have stood roughly 30 yards off the line so Mendoza could practice signaling adjustments and watch the execution in real time.

Sullivan has highlighted steady gains in Mendoza’s command of the offense, his ability to articulate huddle calls, and his communication at the line of scrimmage.

After practices, the pair reviews scout-team film, with Mendoza repeating any miscues until they are corrected, then studying the opposing offense he has been running.

While Cousins handled nearly all first-team work—especially on passing plays—the staff occasionally inserted Mendoza for a snap or two during run periods simply to keep him integrated.

Those incremental exposures, combined with the constant mental reps, have left the Raiders confident that the growing pains of a rookie debut will be manageable.

For Las Vegas, the future has arrived ahead of the original contingency, but the groundwork was already firmly in place.