The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, and all signs point to them selecting Fernando Mendoza with the top pick. The plan seems to be for Mendoza to learn the ropes behind a seasoned quarterback, at least initially.
Currently, Aidan O’Connell is the only veteran QB on the Raiders' roster. However, there's buzz around the league that the Raiders are eyeing a former Super Bowl champion to step in as Mendoza’s mentor. According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, Joe Flacco is a strong candidate for this role.
Flacco, who has a wealth of experience and has started numerous games, is reportedly weighing his options. Fowler mentioned on ESPN’s SportsCenter that Las Vegas is a potential destination for Flacco. The Raiders are interested in bringing him on as a backup or bridge quarterback, should Mendoza need some time to adjust to the NFL.
While Las Vegas is in the mix, the Cincinnati Bengals are also mentioned as a possible landing spot for Flacco. Even at 41, Flacco has proven he can still perform at a high level. Before his stint with the Browns in the latter half of the 2025 season, Flacco was on track to notch his third straight season with a quarterback rating over 90.
For the Raiders, bringing in a veteran like Flacco could be a savvy move, providing Mendoza with the guidance he needs while ensuring the team remains competitive.