Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will make his first career start against the Seattle Seahawks following the team's trade of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, according to reports on November 11, 2026.
Mendoza has spent the season learning under Cousins, both before and during the campaign, and the coaching staff believes he is prepared for the opportunity. The Raiders' decision to turn to the rookie signals a shift toward the future at the position.
