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Fernando Mendoza Era with Raiders Starts After Kirk Cousins Trade
- On Tuesday, the Las Vegas Raiders traded veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings, naming Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as the new starting quarterback.
- The organization signed Cousins to a $20 million guarantee as a placeholder while preparing Mendoza to take over. Team officials always intended for the rookie to lead the franchise under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak.
- Cousins exits after nine games with 2,340 yards and 20 touchdowns on 64.1% accuracy, while Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, has appeared in one game, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards.
- Las Vegas receives a Day 2 draft pick in return. Cousins told The Athletic he believes Mendoza "has a great future ahead," adding that he enjoyed helping the rookie develop during their time together.
- Mendoza makes his first start Sunday at Allegiant Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks, a defense widely rated as the league's top unit over the past year and a half. The rookie faces an immediate high-stakes challenge.
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No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza set to become Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback
·Indianapolis, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources32
Leaning Left13Leaning Right1Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 46%
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