Las Vegas Raiders hand keys to rookie QB Fernando Mendoza following Kirk Cousins trade
The Las Vegas Raiders have named rookie Fernando Mendoza their starting quarterback for Sunday after trading veteran Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 third-round pick.
🧠AI AnalysisPhoto: The Athletic
Key points
- Fernando Mendoza named Raiders starting quarterback for Sunday
- Kirk Cousins traded to Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 third-round pick
- Mendoza spent the first nine weeks learning behind Cousins
The Las Vegas Raiders are officially turning the page to the future, naming rookie Fernando Mendoza as their starting quarterback ahead of Sunday's matchup. The decision came swiftly on Tuesday after the franchise finalized a trade sending veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. General manager John Spytek noted that Mendoza's stellar performance on the practice field made it impossible for the front office to ignore his readiness.
Selected with the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza spent the first nine weeks of the season learning behind Cousins, whom the team had intentionally signed in the offseason to serve as a mentor. According to head coach Klint Kubiak and backup quarterback Aidan O'Connell, the rookie consistently turned heads during weekly practices with his dedication and physical traits, recently exhibiting the vocal leadership required to command the first-team offense.
Mendoza credited his early professional development entirely to observing Cousins' preparation habits from the sideline. While the team originally had no strict timeline for making the switch, Minnesota's aggressive pursuit of Cousins forced the front office's hand, prompting a calculated shift toward youth and development.
Source The Athletic — nytimes.com/athletic/7778000/2026/11/13/fernando-mendoza-raiders-pr… ↗
Read next
🏈NFLFantasy Football Waiver Wire: Key Quarterback and Running Back Adds for Week 11
As fantasy trade deadlines pass, managers look to the waiver wire for stretch-run additions, with players like Jacoby Brissett, Geno Smith, and Devin Singletary drawing a…
🏈NFLFalcons Secure Defensive End Cameron Thomas With Three-Year, $33 Million Extension
The Atlanta Falcons have signed defensive end Cameron Thomas to a three-year contract extension worth $33 million following a strong start to the 2026 season.
🏈NFLKirk Cousins Returns to Minnesota via Trade Ahead of Week 10 Clash with Packers
The Minnesota Vikings have re-acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins to stabilize their offense for a critical divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
🏒NHLAngels Offseason in Limbo as Record $4 Billion Franchise Sale Awaits Approval
The Los Angeles Angels face a stalled offseason and leadership transition as the club awaits league approval for a record $4 billion sale to Stan Kroenke.
🏒NHLMichael Carrick Breaks Silence After Manchester United Departure
Michael Carrick has issued his first public statement since being relieved of his duties at Manchester United, describing his tenure as an immense privilege.
⚽Soccer in the USManchester United Adds England Youth Forward Tyler Adjei from Reading
Manchester United has completed the signing of 16-year-old England youth international Tyler Adjei from Reading to bolster their academy ranks.