Fernando Mendoza not starting right away has precedent

September 2, 2026 - 18:44

The Las Vegas Raiders have made it clear that Fernando Mendoza will not be handed the starting quarterback job in 2026. While some fans are eager to see the young signal-caller take the reins right away, the team's cautious approach is nothing new. In fact, there is plenty of precedent for letting a promising quarterback sit and learn before throwing him into the fire.

Look at how the Kansas City Chiefs handled Patrick Mahomes. He started only one game as a rookie, spending most of his first year behind Alex Smith. That patience paid off with multiple Super Bowl rings. The Green Bay Packers did the same with Jordan Love, who waited three seasons behind Aaron Rodgers before taking over. Even the San Francisco 49ers let Brock Purdy develop on the bench before injuries forced him into action.

The Raiders are not saying Mendoza cannot play. They are saying he is not ready to carry the load for a full season right now. That is a smart move for a franchise that has struggled with quarterback development for years. Throwing a rookie or second-year player into a bad situation too early can ruin confidence and stall growth.

Mendoza has talent, but he also needs time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, learn a pro-style offense, and build chemistry with his receivers. The coaching staff wants him to earn the job, not just be handed it because of draft status or fan pressure. If he wins the competition in training camp, great. But if he does not, it is not a failure. It is part of the plan. The Raiders have seen too many young quarterbacks get broken by early struggles. They are choosing to be patient this time, and that patience could pay off down the road.