Insider: Raiders have a plan for Fernando Mendoza as Training Camp begins

The Las Vegas Raiders are entering training camp with a renewed sense of optimism, and according to The Athletic’s Sam Warren, much of that excitement starts with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza and the organization’s long-term vision.

Joining The Matt & Kayla Show with Kayla Anderson and Brenden Nunes, Warren said the biggest storyline is how the Raiders manage Mendoza’s development alongside veteran Kirk Cousins.

While Cousins is expected to open the season as the starter, Warren doesn’t believe the decision to turn to Mendoza will hinge on the veteran’s performance.

“I think how long Kirk plays is less dependent on how he performs and more dependent on how fast Mendoza develops,” Warren said. “The Raiders have a plan as to when they want to play Fernando.”

HENDERSON, NEVADA – MAY 28: Quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza #15 and Kirk Cousins #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders practice during an OTA offseason workout at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on May 28, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

That patient approach could benefit a quarterback coming off a whirlwind year that included transferring schools, winning a national championship and navigating the NFL Draft process. Warren believes the coaching staff wants Mendoza fully comfortable before handing him the keys.

“The biggest thing for me is just seeing how comfortable he is out there,” Warren said. “How he commands a huddle, how fluid he is in his dropbacks—those things are a little more important than whether he’s completing every single pass.”

Beyond the quarterback room, Warren pointed to the offensive line as the Raiders’ most important position group.

After struggling mightily last season, Las Vegas invested heavily in rebuilding the unit, highlighted by the addition of center Tyler Linderbaum. Several starting jobs remain open, making training camp a critical evaluation period.

The improved line could also unlock more production from running back Ashton Jeanty entering his second NFL season. Warren noted head coach Klint Kubiak envisions a massive workload for the former first-round pick.

“The Raiders would like to be using Ashton Jeanty at that rate,” Warren said, comparing the expected usage to how Christian McCaffrey is featured in Kubiak-style offenses. “He’s going to be getting the ball a lot.”

Defensively, Warren is watching Maxx Crosby’s recovery from a torn meniscus after an offseason filled with trade speculation. While a deal with Baltimore ultimately fell apart, Warren said Crosby remains motivated.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 14: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

“I think he’s excited to be back with the Raiders,” Warren said. “He’s excited about the moves they’ve made.”

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Warren’s visit, however, was the atmosphere surrounding the franchise.

“It seems like the vibes are high in Vegas for kind of the first time,” Warren said. “Fernando is story number one, but there are a lot of other reasons to be excited about this team as well.”

As training camp begins, the Raiders appear to have a clear direction, and for the first time in years, genuine optimism about where it’s headed.

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More NFL content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers Training Camp: Health, Brock Purdy & the Aging Core Take Center Stage

• Why the Raiders finally have a clear direction entering 2026
• Faithful Flashbacks #38: Montana’s First Start
• Faithful Flashbacks #39: Bill Walsh Steps Away

Upcoming Las Vegas Raiders Schedule

• Late July 2026 – NFL Training Camps open
• Sunday, September 13th – vs. Miami Dolphins (Season Opener) – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – @ New Orleans Saints – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Kansas City Chiefs – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 11th – @ New England Patriots – 10:00 am PT

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