The Raiders’ 2-0 start has changed the tempo of their quarterback conversation, and not in the way some fans may have hoped. Instead of a quick move to Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas is taking its time.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Raiders’ approach can be boiled down to two words: "no rush." That’s the plan for the No. 1 overall pick, even as the team opens the 2026 season with wins over the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers.
"Whenever Fernando Mendoza takes over the starting QB job in Vegas, the offense could take another leap forward due to Mendoza's mobility and stronger arm," Graziano writes. "But there's no rush on that."
For now, the Raiders are sticking with Kirk Cousins and not forcing the issue. Their early success has given them breathing room, and Graziano noted that the 2-0 record has effectively "bought" the team more time to develop Mendoza before putting him in the starting role.
Brock Bowers has been out so far, though he could return in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. Even with that offensive piece still waiting to come back, Mendoza remains the bigger long-term decision.
The idea is simple: if the Raiders had stumbled to an 0-2 start and the offense looked flat, Mendoza could have entered the conversation much sooner. Instead, Las Vegas is in position to play the long game.
That means Mendoza is still likely to start at some point this season. It just may not happen anytime soon. For Raiders fans eager to see the No. 1 pick on the field, the wait could be a while.
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For the Raiders, the timing adds another layer to a player they view as a potential future face of the franchise. Mendoza is expected to spend much of his first NFL season in a backup role, but he is already building a profile that extends well past the depth chart. If his on-field rise takes time, his off-field brand is moving fast, and Las Vegas has a young quarterback whose path may be unfolding in more ways than one. [Read more 🡒]