# Raiders GM says Fernando Mendoza 'passed every test' to earn starting job after Kirk Cousins trade > HelixNews · Web page: https://helixnews.one/story/919988 · All pages for agents: https://helixnews.one/llms.txt 11 outlets covering · First listed: Fox News, Nov 11, 2026, 6:25 AM · Read it: Fernando Mendoza will make his first career start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks after the Las Vegas Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to Minnesota. ## Who's covering it In the order they published: - Nov 10, 2026, 1:57 PM: [NFL trade deadline: Kirk Cousins returns to Vikings as Raiders hand starting job to Fernando Mendoza]() — Guardian (Newspaper, United Kingdom) Minnesota acquire veteran quarterback for 2027 pickCousins returns to Vikings after six seasons with teamNo 1 pick Mendoza set to make first NFL startKirk Cousins is heading back to Minnesota.The Vikings have acquired the veteran quarterback from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2027 draft, according to multiple reports, including from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. - Nov 10, 2026, 2:01 PM: [Kirk Cousins is returning to Vikings after trade deadline deal with Raiders]() — Los Angeles Times (Newspaper, United States) The Vikings acquired Kirk Cousins from the Raiders before the NFL trade deadline, bringing back the quarterback who led Minnesota from 2019 to 2023 and made three Pro Bowls with the team. - Nov 10, 2026, 2:04 PM: [Vikings trade for Kirk Cousins opens door for Fernando Mendoza]() — NY Post (Newspaper, United States) Fernando Mendoza spent the first nine games of his NFL career one play away from taking over the Raiders. Turns out, all it took was a phone call from Minnesota. The Raiders are finalizing a trade for Kirk Cousins to the Vikings on Tuesday for a third-round pick, sending the veteran quarterback back to a... - Nov 10, 2026, 2:26 PM: [With Kirk Cousins Traded, Fernando Mendoza Becomes Raiders' Starting QB]() — Fox Sports (Sports, United States) Kirk Cousins has been dealt to the Minnesota Vikings, leaving the Las Vegas Raiders' QB1 spot open for 2026's first overall pick. - Nov 10, 2026, 5:25 PM: [Kirk Cousins Delivers Heartfelt Message to Mendoza After Raiders Trade]() — Sports Illustrated (Sports, United States) Kirk Cousins made a class-act move as he exits Las Vegas for Minnesota. - Nov 10, 2026, 6:39 PM: [“Go Get Em”: Kirk Cousins Bids Goodbye to Fernando Mendoza & Raiders After Blockbuster Trade to Vikings]() — EssentiallySports (Sports) November 10 has been marked off the calendar, and trades are done and dusted. One of the players who has found a new home is former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins. Initially signed up to hold down the fort for them until rookie Fernando Mendoza gets up to speed, the Raiders might have been - Nov 10, 2026, 7:16 PM: [Mendoza officially named Raiders' QB1: Top pick 'passed every test,' says GM]() — ESPN (Sports, United States) No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza was officially named the Raiders' starting quarterback Tuesday after the team traded Kirk Cousins to the Vikings. - Nov 11, 2026, 6:01 AM: [John Spytek: Fernando Mendoza passed every test, allowed us to make a hard decision]() — ProFootballTalk (Sports, United States) It took longer than it has for most quarterbacks drafted first overall, but Fernando Mendoza's time has come in Las Vegas. - Nov 11, 2026, 6:25 AM: [Raiders GM says Fernando Mendoza 'passed every test' to earn starting job after Kirk Cousins trade]() — Fox News (TV network, United States) Fernando Mendoza will make his first career start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks after the Las Vegas Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to Minnesota. - Nov 11, 2026, 7:39 AM: [How Fernando Mendoza changes the Raiders offense ahead of his first NFL start]() — The Athletic (Sports, United States) With Kirk Cousins traded on Tuesday, the rookie is set to start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. - Nov 11, 2026, 12:26 PM: [Fernando Mendoza Gets ‘Starter’ Update From Raiders as Kirk Cousins Heads to Vikings]() — Yahoo Sports (Sports, United States) The Las Vegas Raiders left Levi’s Stadium with a 38-17 loss to the 49ers on Sunday, dropping to 4-5. Kirk Cousins threw three interceptions in that game, and talk about the quarterback spot grew louder. Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, has waited patiently behind him. A major decision on Tuesday may have changed