ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Fernando Mendoza will take over as Raiders starter following the trade of Kirk Cousins to Minnesota.

10 November 2026

We’re sure we’ll get something more official from the team once Klint Kubiak has a press conference, but this is the obvious move. The No. 1 overall pick will face a gauntlet in his first three games, starting with the defending champion Seahawks in Week 10. It’s not an immediate re-draft add situations outside of deep leagues, but Mendoza could eventually factor into the re-draft formula this season.