Raiders name rookie Fernando Mendoza starting quarterback following Kirk Cousins trade

The Las Vegas Raiders have named rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their new starter following a trade that sent veteran Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings. CBS Sports and The Guardian reported that the trade took place on the Tuesday NFL trade deadline, with Minnesota acquiring Cousins for a 2027 third-round draft pick. Fox News reported that Raiders general manager John Spytek confirmed Mendoza passed every test to earn the starting role. [1][2][5][6]

Fox News reported that Mendoza will make his first career start on Sunday in Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium. Mendoza previously saw limited action in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, according to Fox News. CBS Sports noted that the 38-year-old Cousins had thrown 20 touchdown passes and eight interceptions for Las Vegas this season before the trade. [1][2]

Cousins previously played for the Vikings from 2018 to 2023, CBS Sports and The Guardian both reported. CBS Sports added that Minnesota sought to boost an offense that had scored just 11 touchdowns this season, tied for the lowest in the league. Following the trade deadline deal, the New York Post reported that Cousins posted photos on Instagram alongside Mendoza as both players expressed gratitude for their time together. [2][3][5]

Mendoza was selected first overall by the Raiders in the April 2026 NFL draft. He played college football for the California Golden Bears before transferring to the Indiana Hoosiers, where he won the Heisman Trophy and the national championship. The Raiders began the 2026 season with three straight victories before dropping four consecutive games, as FTMQ News reported earlier. [1][12][13][15][16]