But that plan could be complicated by Klint Kubiak, who is set to become the Raiders’ head coach, and his relatively limited track record with developing young quarterbacks. The hire introduces uncertainty about how quickly a first-year signal-caller would be groomed in a volatile environment.
Kubiak’s recent success includes a Super Bowl win with Sam Darnold, and he has also coached Derek Carr, who is now the subject of renewed retirement discussions. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo have reported that Carr’s name has circulated in teams’ offseason due diligence as they weigh quarterback uncertainty.
As for the Raiders, there is talk of whether they could re-sign Carr instead of drafting Mendoza, or even explore a trade of the No. 1 overall pick to acquire additional assets. Proponents of bringing Carr back have pointed to their past working relationship and Carr’s experience, while skeptics note the cost and the potential disruption to Mendoza’s anticipated timeline.
However, the article outlining these scenarios argues that the Raiders are unlikely to pursue a Carr re-signing as a long-term plan. Carr would likely need to serve as a mentor in Mendoza’s rookie year at most, and Las Vegas would face hurdles in trading for rights to Carr or installing him as a long-term starter behind a rookie.
Ultimately, the piece stresses that Las Vegas cannot waste its rare opportunity to land a true franchise quarterback at No. 1. If Carr is released and willing to accept a veteran backup role with a pathway to coaching, it could be a fit for both sides, but the Raiders cannot enter 2026 with Carr as the unquestioned starter.
