Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak speaks at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Klint Kubiak's Week 1 Fernando Mendoza Move Gets Strong Reaction From Ex-Raiders CEO 1
Kirk Cousins already sensed he had the job before the Las Vegas Raiders closed out preseason with an 18-12 loss to San Francisco last week. Yet the loudest voice backing coach Klint Kubiak‘s call to keep No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza on the bench for Week 1 did not come from inside the building. Former Raiders CEO Amy Trask weighed in this week, and her take explains exactly what is at stake.
Amy Trask Backs Klint Kubiak’s Quarterback Call
Kubiak named Cousins his starter for the September 13 opener against Miami, closing out a summer-long battle with Mendoza that stretched across three preseason games. Trask, speaking on NFL on CBS, made her stance clear.
“I like the decision to sit him with the No. 1 pick, presumably because you believe him to be your quarterback of the future. So you want to balance short-term with long-term,” She said.
2026 04 25T070201Z 636427537 MT1USATODAY28808557 RTRMADP 3 NFL LAS VEGAS RAIDERS PRESS CONFERENCE 1 scaled2026 04 25T070201Z 636427537 MT1USATODAY28808557 RTRMADP 3 NFL LAS VEGAS RAIDERS PRESS CONFERENCE 1 scaled
Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (left) shakes hands with head coach Klint Kubiak at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center after being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Trask credited Kubiak for weighing more than raw talent, pointing out that a rookie’s readiness depends on several moving parts beyond arm strength or draft status. The preseason numbers back that up.
Cousins completed 76.5 percent of his throws for 101 yards and a touchdown in limited action, while Mendoza went 25 of 45 for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Las Vegas brought in Cousins specifically to shield its rookie from a rebuilding roster during his first year, and that plan depends on Mendoza’s development staying on schedule. But the same credentials that made him the No. 1 pick also put a clock on how long that patience can last.
Fernando Mendoza’s Path Still Points to the Future
Mendoza arrives with a resume that justified the top pick. He won the 2025 Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a 16-0 season and the school’s first national championship.
Sitting him now would make him the first No. 1 pick since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to open a season on the bench, breaking a recent trend of top picks starting immediately.
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn ImagesAug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Kubiak himself has framed the plan as patience over pressure. “We got him plenty of time, and I’m happy where he’s at, but we just got to keep pushing him to be better,” he said.
The approach echoes how Green Bay eased Jordan Love in behind Aaron Rodgers, or how Kansas City once sat Patrick Mahomes behind Alex Smith. Whether Las Vegas sticks to that plan once the games start counting is the next thing worth watching.
For now, Cousins holds the job and Mendoza keeps developing behind him. The Raiders open the regular season at home against the Dolphins on September 13, a first real test of how long that arrangement lasts.
More NFL News: