Raiders pick Cousins over top pick Mendoza for opener

The Raiders have chosen Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback for the season opener, making Fernando Mendoza the first top quarterback selection since Baker Mayfield to begin the year as a backup. Mendoza's debut will have to wait as the team prioritizes experience.

The Raiders' decision places Cousins, a veteran presence, ahead of Mendoza, the team's top quarterback selection in the draft. Mendoza becomes the first top quarterback pick since Baker Mayfield to begin his rookie season as a backup, a notable distinction in the NFL where top signal-callers typically start immediately.

The team's choice reflects a preference for experience over youth, as the Raiders appear focused on fielding a competitive lineup from the opening game. Mendoza's debut will be delayed while the organization prioritizes stability at the position, though the rookie's eventual opportunity remains a key storyline for the franchise's future.