The Minnesota Vikings dealt for Raiders' quarterback Kirk Cousins in the hours before the 2026 NFL trade deadline, and that has opened up the starting QB position for 2026's first-overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza will be Las Vegas' starter from here on out, per ESPN, even with two top defenses in the Seahawks and Broncos up next on the Raiders' schedule.

The 6-foot-5 Mendoza has spent almost the entirety of the 2026 season on the sidelines for Las Vegas, as he has appeared in just one game, a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 5. Mendoza didn't start that game, though, instead entering it and completing six of eight passes for 48 yards while rushing for another three.

Fernando Mendoza hasn't had much opportunity to play in his rookie season, but that changes with the trade of Kirk Cousins. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

With the Indiana Hoosiers in his final year in college, though, Mendoza was a star, which led to the Raiders taking him first-overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza led Indiana to its first-ever national championship while winning the Heisman Trophy, receiving 643 first-place votes after leading the FBS with 41 passing touchdowns against six interceptions with 3,535 passing yards.

Now 23 years old, Mendoza takes over a 4-5 Raiders team that sits third in the AFC West, replacing a veteran quarterback who had 2,340 passing yards and 20 touchdowns against eight picks this season while posting a 97.1 passer rating. In addition to the Seahawks, Mendoza will face the Broncos both times the Raiders play Denver this season, but also draws the Browns (5-4), Chargers (0-8), Titans (1-7) and Cardinals (3-6) before ending the season against the Chiefs. There's a soft underbelly to that schedule, at least, which could benefit both the Raiders and their rookie quarterback as he acclimates to the NFL.

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The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly reuniting with Kirk Cousins, striking a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for the veteran quarterback.