After Kirk Cousins trade, Fernando Mendoza takes over as starter

Las Vegas hält trotz schwacher Phase am Anspruch fest – Mendoza startet direkt gegen Seattle

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Fernando Mendoza, a Raiders quarterback in a white jersey, runs with the football as a Patriots player in a red jersey brings him down—Mendoza showing off his NFL performance. AI-generated alt text.
Foto: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

The Raiders are turning to rookie Fernando Mendoza immediately. General manager John Spytek emphasized Tuesday that trading Cousins should not be seen as giving up on the season. The trade and the decision to go with Mendoza are not signs that Las Vegas is writing off the year.

Spytek pushes back on the idea of a rebuild

“This does not mean we’re giving up on the season or looking ahead to 2027. That’s not the intention,” Spytek said at a news conference a few hours after the trade. The Raiders have a big game against the defending Super Bowl champions this week and plan to approach it just like any other game on the schedule.

Las Vegas opened the season with three wins but has since lost five of its last six games. The team enters Week 10 with a 4-5 record.

Cousins started the first nine games of the season. During his time with the Raiders in 2026, he completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. According to TruMedia, Cousins ranks ninth among 31 qualified quarterbacks in EPA per dropback and 11th in passer rating.

Mendoza gets his chance after standout college season

The Raiders are now turning their attention to Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft out of Indiana. The 23-year-old led the Hoosiers to the first national title in program history last season and also won the Heisman Trophy.

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In 16 games for Indiana, Mendoza threw for 3,534 yards and 41 touchdowns. His 41 touchdown passes led the FBS. He also led all college quarterbacks in the NCAA efficiency statistic, posting a rating of 182.9.

Spytek said Mendoza had worked hard for this opportunity since his first day in the building. He had passed every test and, through his growth as a person, teammate, leader and quarterback, had made the decision difficult for the organization.

Mendoza will make his first start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:05 p.m.

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FAQ zum Thema

Warum haben die Las Vegas Raiders Kirk Cousins getradet?

Die Raiders geben Kirk Cousins ab und setzen auf Rookie Fernando Mendoza als Starter. General Manager John Spytek betonte, dass der Schritt nicht bedeute, die Saison aufzugeben.

Wer ist Fernando Mendoza?

Fernando Mendoza ist der Nummer-1-Pick des Drafts 2026 und kam von der Indiana University zu den Raiders. In seiner letzten College-Saison führte er Indiana zum ersten nationalen Titel der Programmgeschichte und gewann die Heisman Trophy.

Wann startet Fernando Mendoza erstmals für die Raiders?

Mendoza macht seinen ersten Start am Sonntag gegen die Seattle Seahawks. Der Kickoff ist für 22:05 Uhr angesetzt.

Welche Statistiken hatte Kirk Cousins 2026 bei den Raiders?

Cousins absolvierte die ersten neun Saisonspiele als Starter und brachte 64 Prozent seiner Pässe an. Er warf für 2.340 Yards, 20 Touchdowns und acht Interceptions.

QUELLEN:TruMediaNCAA
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