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Raiders maintain plan with Cousins as QB despite Mendoza's arrival

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 8, 2026, 8:14 PM

Last updated Nov 8, 2026

Raiders maintain plan with Cousins as QB despite Mendoza's arrival

Summary

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft but continue to back veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. At 4-4, the Raiders are performing better than last season's three-win record. Cousins, who has thrown for over 300 yards in two games and has more touchdowns this year than in the past three seasons, remains a central figure. The team's defense struggles, giving up 30 or more points in the last five games, complicating any transition to Mendoza. The Raiders have no plans to trade Cousins amid speculation about the rookie's future.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Raiders hold a 4-4 record after a three-win season last year.
•Kirk Cousins has thrown more touchdowns than in recent years.
•Fernando Mendoza was picked as the first overall selection in 2026.
•Raiders defense has allowed over 30 points in the last five games.
•No trade inquiries for Cousins as team plans to keep him.

Latest Updates

8:14 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders settle quarterback question on Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza

What they're saying

"
The Las Vegas Raiders took Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but Kirk Cousins isn’t ready to cede power to his young teammate just yet. A 4-4 start is as good as Raiders fans could have hoped for off the back of a three-win season.
— Yahoo Sports

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