Raiders GM makes smart decision on starting QB for 2026

Q: Who is the Raiders' starting quarterback for 2026?

The Raiders are expected to start quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who will be drafted first overall in 2026.

Q: Why are the Raiders not starting Fernando Mendoza immediately?

The Raiders aim to avoid rushing Mendoza into play, allowing him to develop behind veteran Kirk Cousins to enhance his growth.

Q: What is the role of Kirk Cousins in the Raiders' 2026 strategy?

Kirk Cousins will serve as a veteran mentor for Fernando Mendoza, providing guidance while he prepares for starting duties.

Raiders GM makes smart decision on starting QB for 2026

TL;DR

The Las Vegas Raiders plan to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead of starting him immediately, they will allow him to develop behind veteran Kirk Cousins.

Raiders GM makes smart decision on starting QB for 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For most, the first overall pick in the NFL Draft will see the Las Vegas Raiders take quarterback Fernando Mendoza to be the franchise's new star quarterback.

But the Raiders are doing this a little differently than most who take a quarterback high in the draft; they aren't going to throw him to the wolves in Year 1.

We have seen young quarterbacks play early, get lit up, and play poorly, and it sets them back in their development, but the Raiders, who signed veteran Kirk Cousins in free agency, might not do that.

General manager John Spytek stated that the best guy will be playing in 2026.

“Ultimately, this is a meritocracy, and the best guy will play,” Spytek said via Sports Illustrated. “It’s just really hard to play really well at a young age, but we’ve seen plenty of quarterbacks do it recently.”

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Could Mendoza sit in Year 1?

Absolutely, he could, and it wouldn't be a bad thing either. Learning from Cousins, working out how to do all the things an NFL quarterback needs to learn with no pressure of having to learn it while Micah Parsons is trying to take your soul.

Remember, the Raiders signed Cousins for a reason.

So, while some might like the idea of Mendoza starting in Week 1, the Raiders have made it very clear that it isn't a forgone conclusion that he will be the team's starter. Only when he's ready, which is a big shift from how teams usually do it.

And in the long-term, it could be the best decision the franchise makes.