Former Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison has a reality check for Fernando Mendoza. The 2025 Heisman winner may be the first pick of the Draft, but he will only take the starting job if Kirk Cousins doesn't perform well.

Speaking on "The Rich Eisen Show," former Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison discussed Mendoza's contribution and explained why experience could play a major role in determining who starts at quarterback between Mendoza and Kirk Cousins when the season begins.

"Like, there's a level of expertise that Kurt Cousins has right now that Fernando Mendoza is going to get. He's going to learn, Morrison said on Tuesday. “It's not there yet..."

The analysis isn't a surprise. Most rookies take some time to get going, even if they were the number 1 picks. Take Cam Ward for instance. While he managed to cross 200 yards consistently early in the season, it took him over half the season to throw multiple touchdowns consistently.

Similarly, while Mendoza entered with expectations after being a Heisman winner last season, he will be taking on an entirely different kind of play. Moreover, he goes up against Kirk Cousins, a QB with over 10 years of experience.

And it looks like Mendoza will sit lower on the depth chart. During OTAs, Mendoza worked with the third team offense, with Cousins and Aidan O’Connell handling most of the reps. But it doesn't mean he's a long way off the starting job.

"There's no doubt the future is Fernando Mendoza,” Morrison continued. "But you want to be able to have him go out there when the time is right. We don't want to rush it unless Kirk Cousins is just god awful…As there's multiple plans that I think will kind of take place…"

That approach aligns with the Raiders' broader plan as they attempt to rebound from a difficult 2025 season.

Rather than placing pressure on Mendoza, the organization appears willing to let the rookie develop while evaluating both quarterbacks throughout training camp and the preseason. Morrison believes those evaluations will provide a clearer answer before Week 1 arrives.

As the competition continues to take shape, Cousins has made it clear he has no intention of stepping aside without a fight.

Kirk Cousins Breaks Silence on Fernando Mendoza Challenge

The Raiders are entering a transition period, but Kirk Cousins remains focused on earning the starting role, even after the Team’s long-term investment in Fernando  Mendoza. 

During the appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Cousins discussed the competition between the rookie QB and him with host Andrew Siciliano.

“I think it comes with the territory. You’re 15 years in the league, and I’m no stranger to how this thing works,” Cousins said on Tuesday. “You go out there, play the best you can, help your team the best you can, contribute to our team’s success, and let the decisions get made as they get made.”

Cousins is focusing on helping the team win games, while Mendoza continues to adjust to the demands of the professional level before taking on a starting role.

If both quarterbacks perform well during camp and the preseason, who will give the Raiders the best chance to win when Week 1 comes around? Let us know!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar