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Fernando Mendoza Era with Raiders Starts After Kirk Cousins Trade
Las Vegas turns to its top draft pick after trading Kirk Cousins, and the rookie will make his first NFL start against Seattle.
- 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 Sources17
Leaning Left8Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 44%
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