Legendary tight end weighs in on Raiders QB situation and how Vegas should handle Fernando Mendoza’s development
The Las Vegas Raiders have three really good quarterbacks and will have to make a crucial decision very soon with Fernando Mendoza.
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback situation remains one of the most scrutinized storylines heading into the 2026 season, and former NFL tight end Greg Olsen shared his thoughts on how the franchise should handle Fernando Mendoza’s development.
The rookie quarterback, selected with the first overall pick, represents the kind of franchise-altering talent that Las Vegas has been searching for across two decades of futility. How the Raiders handle Mendoza’s development could determine whether this organization finally escapes the cycle of instability that has defined it for so long.
Olsen, one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, carries credibility on this topic. He played alongside former No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton in Carolina, so he understands firsthand what it takes to build around a young quarterback with star potential. His perspective on whether Mendoza should start immediately or sit behind veteran Kirk Cousins adds another layer to a debate that will dominate Raiders camp.
“It’s always an interesting conversation now with a rookie quarterback,” Olsen said on Good Morning Football. “Do you start the rookie right away and let them drink from the fire hose and let them learn on the job in real-time experience? Or, if you have a reliable veteran like Kirk [Cousins], do you let him take the role? We went through it a bit with Cam Newton. The question was always, as long as the rookie can get in there and he’s not completely thrown into the fire. I’ve always been of the school of thought that you let them play, because there is nothing like real-time reps.”
The stakes for Las Vegas are massive
The Raiders have cycled through roughly seven starting quarterbacks over the past few seasons. That kind of revolving door at the most important position in professional sports makes sustained success nearly impossible. Las Vegas hasn’t won a playoff game in over 20 years, a drought that speaks to deeper organizational issues but one that always circles back to quarterback play.
Mendoza has the talent to break that pattern. But the Raiders have to be careful. Rushing a rookie quarterback onto the field before he’s ready can stunt development and create bad habits that linger for years. On the other hand, sitting a player too long when he’s clearly the better option can waste precious time in a league where windows open and close quickly.
Cousins provides a viable bridge option. The veteran spent years leading the Minnesota Vikings and understands what it takes to operate a professional offense at a high level. If the Raiders believe Mendoza needs time to learn the system and adjust to the speed of the NFL, Cousins gives them the luxury of patience.
Clint Kubiak’s role in this cannot be overstated
One factor working in the Raiders’ favor is head coach Clint Kubiak. His offensive system and play-calling style should create a comfortable environment for a young quarterback to grow. Kubiak’s reputation for building strong relationships with his players adds another element that could accelerate Mendoza’s readiness.
The combination of Kubiak’s coaching, Cousins’ veteran presence, and Mendoza’s raw ability gives Las Vegas a legitimate path forward. The Raiders have the pieces to handle this transition the right way, something they haven’t always been able to say at the quarterback position.
Getting this right could finally see the Raiders emerge from the prolonged stretch of mediocrity that has plagued the franchise. Getting it wrong could set the organization back even further. There’s no middle ground when you’re developing a potential franchise quarterback, and the stability Mendoza could provide for years to come is something this organization hasn’t experienced in a long time.