Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza new favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year ahead of his first NFL start

Raiders GM says Fernando Mendoza 'passed every test' to earn starting job after Kirk Cousins trade

The Las Vegas Raiders traded quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings, and rookie Fernando Mendoza was named the team's starting quarterback, with his first career start set for Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Raiders GM John Spytek said Mendoza "passed every test" to earn the job, and Cousins posted a message of support for Mendoza on Instagram.

NFL trade deadline: Kirk Cousins returns to Vikings as Raiders hand starting job to Fernando Mendoza

The Vikings acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Raiders on November 10, 2026, in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick, and the Raiders are handing the starting job to rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick. Reports from The Guardian, ESPN, CBS Sports, and Yahoo Sports agree on the trade terms, while grades of the deal vary by outlet, with CBS Sports giving the Raiders an "A."