The Las Vegas Raiders went from not having a starting-caliber quarterback to potentially having two. They just signed Kirk Cousins to a five-year deal, although he’s only expected to be there for one.
That’s because, barring an unprecedented surprise, the Raiders will use the No. 1 pick to get Indiana star QB Fernando Mendoza.
With that in mind, GM John Spytek and the organization will take the first official step toward the Fernando Mendoza era. As reported by ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the team will host Mendoza for a visit on Tuesday:
“Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is scheduled to visit Tuesday in Las Vegas with the Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick,” Schefter shared on his X account.
This is, of course, a mere formality. It would take a whole lot for the Raiders to go in a different direction. Mendoza is a hard-working young man who interviews well, is articulate, and has shown eagerness to improve every day. If anything, the meeting might just be a jumpstart for him to get to know everybody, get a handle on the offense, and discuss life in the pros.
Mendoza is coming off winning the Heisman trophy and leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated season and the first national championship in program history.
He completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards, leading the FBS with 41 touchdowns, 9.3 yards per attempt, 10.78 adjusted yards per attempt, and a passer rating of 182.9. He also threw six interceptions.
The Raiders will most likely roll into the season with Cousins as the starter, with new head coach Klint Kubiak working closely with Mendoza. They were open about not wanting to throw a rookie into the fire until he wasn’t ready, so he may not play much — if at all — in his first year in the league.