Fresno fans see hope in QB Fernando Mendoza as Las Vegas Raiders look to future
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Raider Central Valley boosters express renewed confidence after Mendoza selected No. 1.
- Raider Central Valley president said he prefers Mendoza not start immediately.
- Raiders plan to use veteran Kirk Cousins to mentor rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The moment the Las Vegas Raiders turned in the card and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called the name Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of the 2026 NFL draft, it marked more than just another draft pick. It signaled something deeper for a fan base that has been waiting and searching for stability under center.
For Arthur Perez, president and founder of Raider Central Valley in Fresno, this wasn’t just another offseason move.
It felt different.
“I feel good about it,” said Perez, who was joined by the rest of his booster club. “We’ve been looking for a quarterback for some time. Carr was the last hope. It hasn’t been the same since then. I’m feeling very confident in our team.”
That confidence hasn’t come easily.
The Raiders have been seeking answers at quarterback since 2023, trying to recapture the consistency they once had during the 2000-2003 seasons.
Since Carr’s departure — their last true cornerstone at the position — the revolving door has left fans restless, hopeful, and often disappointed, especially after seeing only two playoff appearances in 2016 and 2021.
Perez hopes those misfortunes turn around with the addition of Mendoza, though he’s quick to say he doesn’t want the rookie to start right away.
After all, the Raiders have veteran Kirk Cousins to mentor Mendoza.
“We just needed that key to turn that lock,” he said. “To unlock everything, that’s the quarterback. One thing I hope is true is that they don’t start him right away. Don’t just throw him in there.”
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 7:34 PM.
