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The torch has officially been passed from Kirk Cousins to Fernando Mendoza.
After Cousins was shipped from the Raiders to the Vikings in an NFL trade deadline blockbuster on Tuesday, Mendoza and Cousins said they’re both thankful for their time together.
Cousins made an Instagram post that featured multiple photos of him and Mendoza.
Cousins wrote, “Thank you Raider Nation! Go get em @fernandomendoza.”
Mendoza returned the favor to his mentor and shared a screenshot of Cousins’ Instagram Story with the caption “🙏🙏 @kirkcousins.”
With Mendoza officially handed the keys to the franchise and Cousins leaving for another tour with Minnesota, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft will take over under center, hoping to lead Las Vegas to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
The Raiders (4-5) are coming off a 38-17 road loss to the 49ers.
Las Vegas’ second half of the season is manageable for Mendoza. The Raiders will play the Jets, Chargers, Titans and Cardinals, all of whom have losing records.
However, the rookie will also have to play against the Seahawks, Broncos (twice), Browns and Chiefs, who all have winning records.
Mendoza’s time on the field this season has been limited.
When he played in the preseason, he showed he was not ready to be the team’s starting quarterback, completing 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Mendoza was sacked four times.
As the regular season progressed, Mendoza had an opportunity to show the Raiders how he’s improved. He looked solid in their Week 5 loss against the Patriots, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards.
During his final play of the game, Mendoza escaped the pocket and took off running, attempting to get a first down, but he was marked 1 yard shy of the Patriots’ 11-yard line that resulted in a turnover on downs.
With Mendoza’s debut set for Sunday, the Raiders will scheme their game plan against Seattle toward the rookie’s strengths.
