Why Kirk Cousins Could Save Fernando Mendoza’s Career

Fernando Mendoza was selected with the No. 1 overall pick, but the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t rushing him onto the field. Instead, he’s being forced to learn, observe, and understand what it truly takes to become an NFL quarterback. With Kirk Cousins starting, Mendoza has an opportunity that many young quarterbacks never receive: time to develop before carrying the weight of a franchise. From Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love and Lamar Jackson, history shows that sitting behind an experienced quarterback can shape a player’s future. But is patience the key to Mendoza’s success, or does he need to play immediately like Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud? This is the story of Fernando Mendoza’s first NFL challenge—and why not starting might be the most important part of his development. Behind every jersey, there’s a story. Subscribe to Off The Jersey for more NFL documentaries, athlete stories, and stories beyond the game.