Derek Carr has publicly urged patience for Mendoza, stressing that development sometimes requires easing a rookie into action. He acknowledged the pressure and hype around the top pick, but underscored that what’s best for Mendoza may be to wait and learns the NFL game gradually, especially behind last season’s prominent offensive-line struggles.
Carr also weighs in on Cousins, arguing that the veteran still gives the Raiders the best chance to win now. He points out the realities of NFL pressure and windowing, suggesting that a rookie’s inexperience often translates to mistakes that can only be learned on the field, and that starting Cousins could help the team win while Mendoza continues to grow.
If training camp reveals that Cousins is the superior option, Las Vegas will likely start him. Conversely, Mendoza’s superior play in camp could make it difficult to justify keeping him on the bench. The team is prepared to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term development.
The broader NFL context matters here as well: sit-and-develop strategies have worked for quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love, who benefited from backing a veteran before earning a starting role. The Raiders’ decision may hinge on whether this season is more about winning now or grooming Mendoza for the long term.
Ultimately, the choice will come down to camp performance and the coaching staff’s assessment of the team’s trajectory. With Mendoza’s arrival signaling a new era and Cousins providing an option to start immediately, Las Vegas faces a nuanced path between immediate competitiveness and sustained quarterback development.
