Fernando Mendoza Takes Over Raiders After Kirk Cousins Trade

Fernando Mendoza took the keys to the Las Vegas Raiders franchise on Tuesday after Kirk Cousins was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

The transaction changes the Raiders' trajectory as they sit at 4-5 following a 38-17 road loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Cousins suited up in a Raiders uniform for the final time Sunday, AP Photo/Kelley L. Cox reported.

The team handed the starting quarterback job to Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Thank you Raider Nation! Go get em @fernandomendoza,” Cousins wrote in an Instagram post featuring multiple photos of the two quarterbacks. Mendoza responded by sharing a screenshot of the post with the caption “🙏🙏 @kirkcousins.”

Mendoza faces a manageable second half of the season as he settles into the starting role.

The rookie quarterback will play the New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals, all of whom hold losing records this season.

However, tougher matchups loom against the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos twice, Cleveland Browns, and Kansas City Chiefs.

Mendoza’s playing time has been limited so far. During the preseason, he completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions, and was sacked four times.

Mendoza showed improvement during his limited regular season action, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards in a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots. His final play of that game ended when he scrambled out of the pocket and ran for a first down attempt, but he was marked one yard short of the Patriots’ 11-yard line, which resulted in a turnover on downs.

With Mendoza’s debut set for Sunday, the coaching staff will scheme their game plan against Seattle toward the rookie’s strengths. The Raiders hope to lead Las Vegas to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

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