Fernando Mendoza will take over the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense.But an NFL owner worth an estimated $3 billion isn’t in a hurry to give Mendoza the key.Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis has been impressed by Kirk CousinsGetty“From me, there’s absolutely no pressure whatsoever,” Davis told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.Las Vegas currently runs through veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who’s completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 2,124 yards, 19 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 101.4 rating.Those are impressive numbers, especially for a ‘bridge’ QB who’s also mentoring Mendoza as a rookie.Davis appears to recognize that Cousins isn’t to blame for Las Vegas’ 4-4 record.The Raiders are exceeding initial 2026 expectations overall and the team is happy with its early return on Cousins, who signed a potential five-year deal that only features $20 million guaranteed.“There’s a lot of pressure put on teams when they draft a guy No. 1 that you have to play him right away,” Davis said.“That’s why I think we were so fortunate to get Kirk Cousins as someone who could bridge the gap and let this young man learn a lot about what football is in the pros — the speed of the game and the things that have to be done.“And he’s picking it up great. But I think we’re fortunate he doesn’t have to go out and play.”Mendoza has taken the field in 2026, completing 6-of-8 passes for 48 yards in mop-up duty.But those are limited numbers for a No. 1 overall pick who went 15-0 and won the national championship last season at Indiana, and is positioned as Las Vegas’ franchise QB of the future.The Raiders are in no hurry to start Fernando MendozaGettyDavis and Tom Brady are watching Mendoza developGetty“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 it takes,” Davis said. “So they’re limited in their development, maybe throughout their career. I’m really happy with the way it is with Fernando right now, and we’ll see what happens.”The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are the class of the AFC West this year.But the Raiders are on the rise, while Mendoza is able to watch and learn from the 38-year-old Cousins.Tom Brady did the same during his rookie year with the New England Patriots, then took over for veteran Drew Bledsoe and never looked back.Davis is hoping that Mendoza also benefits from a rookie season spent soaking up the highs and lows of NFL life. NFL's Greatest......Ranking the top 10......Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and moreTight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?“I tell people jokingly that if he can play football, he’s going to be amazing,” Davis said. “Because he’s got every other intangible you could want in a person. He’s a hard worker. He’s a sponge. And he’s working with Mr. Brady on a lot of things.”Sign up for talkSPORT Stateside, the YouTube channel dedicated to passionate US Sports fans.Will Gavin, Brian T. Smith, former NFL star Efe Obada and a collection of special guests debate the biggest talking points across the NFL, soccer, NBA and more.