What's At Stake For Raiders' Fernando Mendoza In First NFL Start Vs. Seahawks

The Las Vegas Raiders made the largest trade at this year's NFL trade deadline, and it's ripple effects are going to change the team for years to come. 

Hours before last Tuesday's deadline, news broke that the Minnesota Vikings were highly motivated to land Raiders' quarterback Kirk Cousins. 

When the deadline crept closer, both teams made a deal official and reunited Cousins with the team he previously spent six seasons with. 

Roundtable's Lucas and Connor open up this week's episode of the podcast, taking a deep dive into the trade, Week 9's loss to the San Francisco 49ers and previewing this Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

First, looking at the trade that shook the NFL world. 

Cousins was sent to Minnesota in exchange for a third-round pick in next year's NFL Draft. The return was decent, considering Vegas signed Cousins in free agency to a one-year deal in an effort to have first-overall pick QB Fernando Mendoza learn from a veteran.

Now, the Raiders have an additional pick next year to possibly use on getting the rookie QB some help for the years to come. 

With playoff aspirations dwindling, the Raiders took advantage of Cousins' trade value, while giving Mendoza nine weeks to learn from the veteran. 

The 23-year-old is now primed to be Vegas' QB1 and slated to make his first NFL start this Sunday against the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Seattle Seahawks. 

Looking back at last Sunday's loss to the 49ers, there wasn't much to write home about. Vegas lost 38-17, with now-ex-Raiders QB Cousins passing for 216 yards and three interceptions. 

Concerns about running back Ashton Jeanty continue to grow, as the sophomore only logged six carries for 25 yards, failing to see the end zone for the eighth time this season. 

Moving on to this Sunday's game against Seattle, Connor is worried for Mendoza in his first career NFL start. Specifically noting that the Raiders have not done enough to provide the rookie with enough weapons around him, and noting that his confidence could take a hit early on in his career with a bad loss against the Seahawks. 

Connor also mentions that with the plan to move Cousins at the deadline, Vegas should have also made additional moves to help the team now -- such as a wide receiver. 

Regardless, all eyes in the NFL world will be on Mendoza as he takes the field for the first time as a starter this Sunday. 

Listen to the full episode for Lucas and Connor's takes on the trade deadline, last week's loss and what to expect from their 2026 first overall pick.