Possible Quarterback Choices for Las Vegas Raiders with Fernando Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders appear poised to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Questions remain about whether the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will start immediately.
Coach’s preference and roster reality
First-year head coach Klint Kubiak said he would prefer Mendoza learn behind a veteran. Kubiak made the comment at the NFL annual meeting on March 31.
The Raiders traded Geno Smith to the New York Jets this offseason. That move leaves Aidan O’Connell as the only quarterback currently on the roster.
Who is currently on the depth chart
Aidan O’Connell was a 2023 fourth-round pick. He has started 17 games across three NFL seasons.
Kubiak acknowledged the team may not have a proven veteran to shelter Mendoza. That raises the possibility Mendoza could play right away.
Possible veteran bridge options
Filmogaz.com’s coverage highlights several experienced quarterbacks the Raiders could pursue. These veterans could serve as stopgaps or mentors while Mendoza develops.
Kirk Cousins
Cousins is 37 years old and has made 167 career starts. He spent two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and mentored 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.
Last season Cousins completed 61.7 percent of his passes and averaged 6.4 yards per attempt. He posted a 5-3 record as a starter.
Kubiak and Cousins overlapped for three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. That familiarity could help a transition in Las Vegas.
Russell Wilson
Wilson is also 37 and has 202 regular-season starts. He won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks.
Since leaving Seattle, Wilson has a 90.9 passer rating. In three starts for the New York Giants last season he completed 58 percent of his passes for 831 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Wilson lasted three weeks as the Giants’ starter before yielding the job to Jaxson Dart. Kubiak coached him in Denver in 2022.
Derek Carr
Carr is 35 and spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Raiders. He finished his most recent campaign with the New Orleans Saints.
Under Kubiak as offensive coordinator, Carr completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 2,145 yards. He threw 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while recording a 101 passer rating.
A reunion would likely require a trade if Carr comes out of retirement. It is unclear whether he would accept a backup role without a guarantee.
Tyrod Taylor
Taylor, 36, started most of his career with the Buffalo Bills from 2015 to 2017. He remains a veteran option with starting experience.
Last season Taylor started four games for the New York Jets. He completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 779 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions.
Joshua Dobbs
Dobbs is 31 and has been on nine NFL rosters. He backed up Drake Maye during the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl 60 run.
Dobbs has made 15 career starts, many coming in 2023 with the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings. His career numbers include a 3-12 record and a 62.8 percent completion rate for 3,346 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Outlook for Mendoza and the Raiders
The team’s preference is clear: let Mendoza observe a veteran lead the offense. The roster and market will determine if that plan is feasible.
Possible quarterback choices for Las Vegas Raiders with Fernando Mendoza include experienced names such as Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Derek Carr, Tyrod Taylor and Joshua Dobbs. Each option carries different trade, contract and mentoring implications.
