What will Raiders do at quarterback other than Fernando Mendoza?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 04: Aidan O'Connell #12 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks to make a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter of the game at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12. (Photo by Candice Ward/

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What is the story about?

It’s very likely the Las Vegas Raiders will draft Fernando Mendoza to make him their long-term starting quarterback.

But the team will need more quarterbacks as well, especially considering Raiders general manager John Spytek recently suggested he may not want to start a rookie quarterback at the beginning of the season. So someone may be needed to start, at least, for a portion of the 2026 season.

The Raiders currently have Geno Smith, Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell on the roster. However, Smith is

likely to be cut or traded and Pickett is a free agent next week.

So, expect the Raiders to consider adding a quarterback. They could draft a second quarterback in the latter rounds to develop as a backup, but if Smith and Pickett don’t return, there very well could be a vetaran brought in to help mentor Mendoza.

Some quarterbacks could be available through a trade such as Davis Mills, Mac Jones, Tanner McKee, Tyson Bagent, and Anthony Richardson. The Raiders may not want to go that route and look for a more veteran option. Kyler Murray and Tagovailoa could be released. They both may look for a starting job, but Tagovailoa could be a more likely option for the Raiders than Murray on a short-term deal.

If Kirk Cousins can’t find a starting job, he could be short-term option to help Mendoza once he is released. There is talk Andy Dalton could be traded. Joe Flacco, Jake Browning and former Raider Marcus Mariota are free agents as well. Brandon Allen could be a possibility as well. He was with new Raiders’ head coach in San Francisco in 2023. Kirk Cousins should be available as well.

And, yes, Derek Carr, could return from retirement as well.

All in all, the options aren’t great, which is usually the case in the veteran quarterback market. But, at least, this time, the Raiders’ need at the position is not for a long-term starting option.

Who should join Mendoza in Las Vegas?