Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis says he feels no pressure to rush backup QB Fernando Mendoza

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Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis says he feels no pressure to rush backup quarterback Fernando Mendoza onto the field. The No. 1 overall draft pick's popularity has fueled questions about when he will become the team's starting quarterback.

“From me, there’s absolutely no pressure whatsoever,” Davis told CNBC Sport’s Michael Ozanian in an interview Monday. "I'm really happy with the way it is with Fernando right now," he added.

Davis called Mendoza a hard worker and a "sponge." He said that the rookie has been working with Tom Brady, the Raiders' minority owner and a retired superstar quarterback. Davis also believes Mendoza can learn behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

“That’s why I think we are so fortunate to get Kirk Cousins as somebody that could bridge the gap and let this young man learn a lot about what football is in the pros, the speed of the game, the things that have to be done,” Davis said. “And again, he’s picking it up great.”

Owner Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders walks onto the field prior to the NFL game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 1, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Kathryn Riley | Getty Images

The Raiders have faced growing scrutiny over when to play Mendoza following a four-game losing streak. Las Vegas ended that streak on Sunday with a 38-33 win over the New York Jets, moving them to a 4-4 record. Despite the team's struggles, Cousins has the second-most passing touchdowns in the league this season.

Davis said he remembers a time in the 1960s when quarterbacks sometimes sat for several seasons before starting. He said he feels fortunate to be in a position where he doesn't have to rush his young quarterback.

“Today, there’s a lot of pressure put on teams when they draft a guy number one that, you know, you’ve got to play him right away,” Davis said. “I’ve seen quarterbacks get fast-tracked onto the field, and they may do well, but they don’t learn all the intricacies of footwork and everything else that it takes. So they’re limited in their development maybe throughout their career.”

Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 1, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Mitchell Leff | Getty Images

Mendoza, who led the Indiana Hoosiers to a 2026 National Championship, has played in one regular-season game, completing six of eight passes. He's also taken a team-first stance, saying he just wants the Raiders to win.

Before the NFL draft in April, the 23-year-old Heisman Trophy winner told CNBC he was looking forward to learning from his childhood idol, Brady.

"To have that football intelligence and the way that he sees a game, not only from a physical but also from a mental and emotional standpoint. I'm excited to dive in, take everything I can to learn from him," Mendoza said.

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