# Raiders Start Mendoza After Trading Cousins

> Raiders trade veteran QB Kirk Cousins to Vikings for rookie Fernando Mendoza's first start.
- Title: Raiders Start Mendoza After Trading Cousins · Newsweek
- Summary: Raiders trade veteran QB Kirk Cousins to Vikings for rookie Fernando Mendoza's first start.
- Keywords: las vegas raiders, fernando mendoza, kirk cousins, minnesota vikings, nfl draft, seattle seahawks, green bay packers, Newsweek
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/nfl-insider-explains-why-right-time-fernando-mendoza-start-12714851
- Author: Madison Williams
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: las vegas raiders, fernando mendoza, kirk cousins, minnesota vikings, nfl draft, seattle seahawks, green bay packers
## Raiders select Mendoza first overall
The Las Vegas Raiders picked Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
## Raiders plan to start Cousins
The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins to a five-year deal in free agency to start the season.
## Cousins traded to Vikings
The Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings before the NFL trade deadline.
## Mendoza starts against Seahawks
Fernando Mendoza earns his first NFL start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
## Key takeaway

Raiders start Fernando Mendoza against Seahawks after trading veteran Kirk Cousins to Vikings.