Fernando Mendoza Remains Raiders Backup as Las Vegas Retains Kirk Cousins

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will continue to back up veteran Kirk Cousins as the team targets a playoff push. Despite media trade speculation surrounding Cousins, Las Vegas has received no trade offers and plans to sit Mendoza until the team is eliminated from contention or deems the rookie ready. Mendoza remains the franchise's long-term future once Cousins' one-year contract concludes.