The Las Vegas Raiders are set to kick off the 2026 NFL season with a notable twist regarding their rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza will not be starting in the season opener, a situation that has not occurred for a top draft choice in eight years.
This development means that Mendoza will become the first quarterback selected first overall since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to not take the field as a starter in Week 1. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has officially named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the starter, relegating Mendoza to the backup role as the season begins.
The decision to have Mendoza start his career on the sidelines is a departure from the trend of recent No. 1 overall picks, who typically step into the starting role immediately. For instance, Baker Mayfield began his rookie season as the backup to Tyrod Taylor before eventually taking the reins later in the year. Mendoza's situation reflects a more cautious approach from the Raiders, opting to allow their young quarterback to develop further before thrusting him into the starting role.
According to NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, Mendoza's situation highlights a significant shift in how teams handle their top draft picks. Since 2000, a total of 20 quarterbacks have been selected first overall, and Mendoza will be just the eighth of those to not start in Week 1. Notably, 11 of the last 14 quarterbacks chosen first overall have started in their opening week since Matthew Stafford did not in 2009. This trend indicates a growing expectation for immediate contributions from top draft selections.
Mendoza's preseason performance has been a mix of highs and lows, which likely influenced the coaching staff's decision to take a more measured approach with his debut. While he has shown flashes of potential, the Raiders believe that allowing him to learn from Cousins and develop further will ultimately benefit his long-term career.
As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, Mendoza's delayed debut serves as a reminder of the varying paths that rookie quarterbacks can take in the NFL. With the league's increasing emphasis on player development and the importance of ensuring a quarterback is fully prepared before starting, Mendoza's situation may become more common in the years to come.
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