The decision hinges on long-term franchise health. If Cousins remains healthy and productive, he will lead the team this season, while the younger quarterback prospect, Fernando Mendoza, is positioned to develop and potentially take over in the years ahead.
Previously, insights from league insiders suggested that Mendoza might not assume the starting role until later in the season, allowing Cousins to stabilize the quarterback room and the offense from the outset.
Preseason considerations
During the preseason, the Raiders rotated several quarterbacks. Mendoza and Aiden O’Connell logged the majority of the snaps, with Cousins seeing limited action in two preseason games. Mendoza finished the preseason with 25 completions on 45 attempts for 240 yards and one touchdown. Cousins completed 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, while O’Connell went 22 of 46 for 283 yards and added a rushing score. An undrafted rookie, Jacob Clark, also appeared in a game, throwing two passes.
Cousins’ NFL arc
Cousins enters his 15th season. Drafted by Washington in the fourth round in 2012, he became the starter in 2014 and posted a 4,000-yard season. After several franchise-tag situations, he moved to Minnesota in 2018, guiding the Vikings to two playoff appearances in five seasons. He spent the past two years with Atlanta. At nearly 38, he remains focused on producing for the Raiders and resisting any early departure from the starting role, especially as Mendoza develops.
Outlook
The Raiders appear to be prioritizing a balanced approach: leveraging a proven quarterback for immediate stability while cultivating a young, high-potential passer for the franchise’s long-term outlook. As the season unfolds, Mendoza’s development will be closely watched, with the goal of ensuring a smooth transition when the time is right.
