No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will compete 'with' Kirk Cousins, 'not competing against each other' for Raiders job - NFL.com

What the report says

NFL.com reported that Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is approaching the team’s quarterback competition as a collaborative process rather than a direct rivalry. Mendoza, who recently signed his rookie contract, told the Raiders’ team website that the quarterbacks should push one another in ways that help the organization win, contrasting that with a more adversarial approach of withholding help or wishing poorly on a teammate.

Veteran Kirk Cousins, a new Raiders signing, is widely expected to open the season as the starter, although NFL.com noted that no official decision has been announced. Rookie head coach Klint Kubiak has previously indicated that beginning with a veteran quarterback would be his preferred path. The Raiders’ quarterback room also includes Aidan O’Connell, described by NFL.com as the only current quarterback on the roster who has started a game for the franchise, and undrafted rookie Jacob Clark.

Mendoza arrives in Las Vegas after a decorated college season in which he won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to an undefeated national championship, according to the report. His comments suggest a willingness to learn while competing, an important posture for a franchise balancing short-term stability with the development of its top draft investment.

NFL.com also highlighted Mendoza’s access to Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Mendoza described Brady as a significant resource and said he is trying to treat the relationship as a chance to learn rather than simply admire one of his longtime football idols.