The Las Vegas Raiders have settled on veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as their starter when training camp opens, sidelining No. 1 overall draft choice Fernando Mendoza for the time being.
Team officials appear determined to ease the former Indiana standout into the NFL rather than thrust him into immediate action. A seasoned presence such as Cousins affords the franchise flexibility to develop the rookie at a measured pace.
That approach drew sharp criticism Wednesday from NBC Sports NFL insider Mike Florio.
“How many times have we had this specific stream of urine sprayed on us and simultaneously been told it was raining?” Florio said.
“How many times do you keep a first-round quarterback under wraps and force him to win the job, creating a scenario where he has to earn it? I feel like, at times, they’re serious about going with Kirk Cousins. So why did you use the first overall pick on Fernando Mendoza if you’re serious about going with Kirk Cousins?“
Florio contined on, ripping into the Raiders even more.
“These aren’t the Chiefs of 2017, who had the luxury of a playoff team and could put Patrick Mahomes on ice. If you’ve got a team that needs to be turned around and you have a guy you think can come in and turn it around , why are we waiting? What are we waiting for?”
Florio continued his assessment by questioning the value of keeping Mendoza inactive.
“What’s the point of waiting?” Florio added. “Get the guy out on the field. Get him to the point where the game slows down [and] to the point where he starts to understand what he’s doing [and] get him better this year so you can be a contender next year. That’s what confuses me about this plan.”
Supporters of the Raiders’ plan argue that protecting the rookie from early struggles could preserve his confidence. Critics counter that true progress occurs only through live competition.
Mendoza arrived in the league after an outstanding senior season at Indiana. He participated in 724 snaps and earned an 87.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
He completed passes for 2,758 yards and 32 touchdowns with just five interceptions. The quarterback also registered 16 big-time throws against nine turnover-worthy plays.
On designed runs and scrambles, Mendoza gained 200 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns. Those contributions helped him claim the Heisman Trophy and guided the Hoosiers to a national championship.
NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms offered a contrasting view, acknowledging the merits of the Raiders’ cautious strategy.
“I’m with you in the fact that I’m always for the player, the quarterback especially, playing,” Simms said. “Get them out there, get the reps. There’s nothing that can prepare you more than actual game reps, fans yelling, and people trying to actually rip your head off when you’re in the pocket trying to throw the football.
“You’re right about that. But they make the investment because it’s not about right now. It’s about the next 15 years and Kirk Cousins is a damn good quarterback. He’s had a hell of a career. Some of these offensive geniuses value him maybe more than people like you or me or fans of the game. Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Kevin O’Connell. They all value what he can do and how much offense he can take on, and how he processes all of that is important.”
The debate underscores the tension between short-term results and long-term roster building. Cousins brings proven reliability, while Mendoza represents the potential cornerstone of the franchise for years ahead.
Whether the gradual transition accelerates Mendoza’s growth or delays the team’s rebound remains an open question as camp proceeds.
