Kirk Cousins named Raiders QB1 as Tom Brady reveals plan for Mendoza
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 6:52 AM
Last updated Jul 30, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders have announced Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback for the 2026-27 season, a move influenced by Tom Brady's management of rookie Fernando Mendoza. Drafted first overall in 2026, Mendoza was expected to take the lead role immediately, but the Raiders opted for Cousins to guide him gradually. Cousins, who has struggled in recent seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, will assume a veteran leadership position. Brady aims for Mendoza to develop at a slower pace, possibly allowing him to take over later in the season or next year. The strategic choice reflects a long-term vision for the rookie's development.
- •Kirk Cousins is named the starting quarterback for the Raiders.
- •Fernando Mendoza was the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- •Tom Brady supports a gradual development plan for Mendoza.
- •Cousins joins after two unsuccessful seasons with the Falcons.
- •Mendoza may not start until next season.
- 6:52 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Kirk Cousins Is Not Bad At All’ — Tom Brady’s Ex-Teammate Fully On Board With Raiders’ Approach With Fernando Mendoza
- 10:38 AMYahoo Sports — Tom Brady’s ‘very slow’ plan revealed after Kirk Cousins named Raiders QB1 over Fernando Mendoza
"Former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza will start training camp with the Las Vegas Raiders behind veteran Kirk Cousins. The Raiders signed Cousins in April after the Atlanta Falcons released the quarterback in March, and a few weeks later, drafted Mendoza No.
"Tom Brady has revealed the Las Vegas Raiders’ plan for Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins in the 2026-27 season. The Raiders selected Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after his standout year with the Indiana Hoosiers.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 30, 2026, 6:52 AM‘Kirk Cousins Is Not Bad At All’ — Tom Brady’s Ex-Teammate Fully On Board With Raiders’ Approach With Fernando Mendoza
Former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza will start training camp with the Las Vegas Raiders behind veteran Kirk Cousins. The Raiders signed Cousins in April after the Atlanta Falcons released the quarterback in March, and a few weeks later, drafted Mendoza No.
- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 10:38 AMTom Brady’s ‘very slow’ plan revealed after Kirk Cousins named Raiders QB1 over Fernando Mendoza
Tom Brady has revealed the Las Vegas Raiders’ plan for Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins in the 2026-27 season. The Raiders selected Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after his standout year with the Indiana Hoosiers.
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