Raiders owner announces approach toward starting Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. However, the former Heisman Trophy winner has been relegated to backup duties while veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins runs the offense.

Cousins has had an impressive season individually, throwing 19 passing touchdowns and posting a 101.4 quarterback rating, but the Raiders are just 4-4 on the season and on the outside looking in at the current AFC playoff picture. Many are wondering when Vegas will make the switch to get Mendoza game experience, but fans shouldn't look to team owner Mark Davis to pressure the coaching staff into making a change.

"From me, there's absolutely no pressure whatsoever," Davis told CNBC Sport's Michael Ozanian on Monday.

"Today, there's a lot of pressure put on teams when they draft a guy No. 1 that you have to play him right away," Davis added. "That's why I think we were so fortunate to get Kirk Cousins as someone who could bridge the gap and let this young man learn a lot about what football is in the pros, the speed of the game, and the things that have to be done."

Although Davis is taking a patient approach with the quarterback, it's not because he isn't picking things up.

"He's picking it up great, but I think we're fortunate that he doesn't have to go out and play," Davis said. "I've seen quarterbacks get fast-tracked onto the field, and they may do well, but they don't learn all the intricacies of footwork and everything else that it takes. So they're limited in their development, maybe throughout their career."

Whenever Mendoza does get the nod, Davis thinks he has the intangibles and leadership traits to flourish in the NFL.

"I tell people jokingly, if he can play football, he's going to be amazing," Davis said. "Because he's got every other intangible that you would want in a person. He's a hard worker. He's a sponge."