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Kirk Cousins and No 1 pick Fernando Mendoza give Raiders bettors some hope in the upcoming year
Confirmed
In Short: The Las Vegas Raiders are optimistic about their future with new quarterback Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza, signaling the end of a rebuilding phase.
This year, optimism reigns for the Raiders as they have new pieces that could prove that its endless rebuilding phase is drawing to a close and that a fresh era in Sin City is underway, according to Fox News.
The front office reshaped the quarterback room, signing four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins in free agency and drafting top prospect Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, marking a significant shift in the team's direction.
Offensively, the unit gains stability, or at least a veteran and professional presence with Cousins operating behind an upgraded interior offensive line, according to Fox News.
However, any lingering hope that fans had of Fernando Mendoza being the Raiders' Week 1 starter surely evaporated during Thursday night's preseason finale, as Kirk Cousins looked more efficient and comfortable executing Klint Kubiak's offense, according to Just Blog Baby.
Mendoza ostensibly got reps with the first-team offense against the San Francisco 49ers, but with key players out, his performance was limited, according to Just Blog Baby.
Despite the setback, the Raiders' front office remains confident in Mendoza's potential, arguing that it's not entirely his fault, according to Just Blog Baby.
The team's optimism is also fueled by the belief that the addition of Cousins will provide a veteran presence and leadership, which could help Mendoza develop, according to Fox News.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Robert Griffin III joins Jason McIntyre to discuss Kirk Cousins being named the Las Vegas Raiders’ starter over Fernando Mendoza, and whether or not Jaxson Dart will breakout with the New York Giants this season.
- Las Vegas is the place you go with a lot of hope in your head and in your heart.
- The Raiders suffered through a miserable 2025 campaign, finishing dead last in the division with a 3–14 record and securing the No.
- That did spell the end of time for Garner Minshew on the roster, but with Cousins and Mendoza, I doubt they will miss him.
- Had it been Bowers, Mayer or Tucker locating that pass, the Raiders would have been celebrating a touchdown.
- But again, Bowers is bringing that in, and even Kubiak told reporters both before and after watching the film that Nailor has to make the play there, absolving Mendoza of blame.
- Mendoza ostensibly got reps with the first-team offense against the San Francisco 49ers, with the caveat being that he didn't have Tyler Linderbaum, Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer or Tre Tucker out there.