Raiders Urged to Find Solid Targets for Fernando Mendoza, Kirk Cousins

The Las Vegas Raiders are coming up on an exciting season, as they prep for their first year with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza in the fold.

No matter which of those QBs starts next season, they’re going to need a solid offense around them. Even the best signal-callers have a hard time making plays happen with the wrong receivers.

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In a feature about each NFL team’s biggest weakness at this point in the season, Christian D’Andrea of USA Today’s For the Win says the Raiders need to get reliable targets for Mendoza and Cousins.

“Fernando Mendoza steps into an offense where his top wideouts, in some combination, will be Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton,” D’Andrea states. “The presence of Brock Bowers and a rebuilt offensive interior in front of Ashton Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington Jr. will help.

“Even so, third-and-long will be remarkably easy for opposing coordinators to plan against if Las Vegas continues to lack reliable targets who can consistently create separation.”

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My Analysis: Cousins and Mendoza Need the Tools to Thrive

D’Andrea is spot on. Both Cousins and Mendoza come to Vegas with different aspects of their game to contribute, Cousins with his years of experience in the NFL, and Mendoza with his fantastic college experience and youth on his side.

But both of these quarterbacks need strong targets when they’re on the field. That’s something Tom Brady and company have to deliver.

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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 11:07 AM.