Fernando Mendoza will have his time to shine for the Las Vegas Raiders, but for now, he’ll have to stay in the shadows of Kirk Cousins.
The Raiders released their first unofficial depth chart on Monday, and the former Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback is behind veteran Cousins in the order. It is hardly a groundshaking decision for Las Vegas, however.
The Raiders don’t seem to be in a rush to give the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft the keys to the offense, which belong to Cousins at the moment.
Cousins was signed by Las Vegas in April to a two-year, $12.645 million contract, but the 37-year-old quarterback is not the team’s long-term option under center. The other two on Las Vegas’ QB depth chart are Aidan O’Connell and Jacob Clark.
The Raiders are hoping Mendoza will be that guy after he opened a lot of eyes during his only year with the Hoosiers, leading Indiana to an undefeated season that culminated in a College Football Playoff national championship.
Perhaps the bigger question is when Las Vegas will hand the quarterback reins to the rookie.
Meanwhile, Mendoza could see action in the upcoming Raiders preseason games. Las Vegas is scheduled to take on the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.
