After four straight losses, the Raiders face mounting pressure to consider rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Kirk Cousins said he’d welcome a change if he isn’t the team’s best option, while praising Mendoza and emphasizing that the organization will decide when he’s ready.

By the Numbers
  • Las Vegas opened the season 3-0 but has since lost four in a row, falling to 3-4.
  • Cousins completed 26 of 44 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s 35-21 loss to the Rams.
  • Mendoza was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after leading Indiana to a national championship.
Yes, But

Cousins’ stats were respectable against Los Angeles, and the Raiders have been letting Mendoza develop behind him. But the losing streak has intensified calls to see what the rookie can do.

State of Play
  • Cousins remains the starter, with Mendoza waiting behind him.
  • Cousins says he wants the team to play whoever gives it the best chance to win.
What's Next

The Raiders must decide whether to stick with Cousins or give Mendoza his first opportunity as the losing streak continues.

Bottom Line

Cousins isn’t resisting a quarterback change; the pressure is now on the Raiders to decide whether Mendoza is ready to help stop the slide.