‘Have to’ – Klint Kubiak’s honest answer on Fernando Mendoza replacing Kirk Cousins as Raiders QB1

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but haven't let him start a game yet.

Rather than put that pressure on Mendoza, the Raiders signed and have started Kirk Cousins in every game this season.

Cousins is a veteran who can help Mendoza develop his game in training, and has been trusted to keep the Raiders afloat this season.

Klint Kubiak's honest answer on Fernando Mendoza becoming Raiders QB1

Speaking after the Las Vegas Raiders' 21-35 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Klint Kubiak was asked whether he will consider starting Fernando Mendoza as QB1.

After what has been an inconsistent 3-4 start, Kubiak is ready to review the game footage and consider all his options, including starting Mendoza.

Kubiak said: "I think we have to go watch the film. At this point, we're thinking about everything – how to fix our problems, how to fix our issues in the red zone, in the third quarter and personnel scheme. We have got to talk about all of it."

So far, Kirk Cousins has started every game for the Raiders, with Mendoza getting just a few minutes against the New England Patriots late in the Raiders' Week 4 game.

But with the Raiders now hoping to turn their fortunes around and make an unlikely push for the playoffs, they might have to start giving Mendoza more opportunities going forward.

In their loss against the Rams, Cousins threw for 295 yards with two touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was also sacked twice, which allowed the Rams to gain control during the game.

The Raiders see Mendoza as their long-term quarterback and don't want to rush him into a high-pressure environment so early in his career.

This is a strategy other teams have employed with star-level young quarterbacks. Most notably, the Chiefs used this approach with Patrick Mahomes during his rookie year.

But with the Raiders where they are, Kubiak and the rest of the coaching staff will have to consider pulling the trigger on Mendoza early.