Fernando Mendoza has been a pipe dream for the New York Jets ever since they ceded control of the first overall pick.
Some fans, though, have held onto hope that somehow, Mendoza could still find a way to the Jets.
The Las Vegas Raiders may have just squashed that hope.
Raiders clarify Jets’ draft plans
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is expected to become the next head coach of the Raiders, following Super Bowl LX.
The Raiders’ expectation to hire Kubiak after Super Bowl LX is a major blow to the Jets’ hopes of landing Mendoza. Kubiak, one of the best young offensive minds in the sport, knows how important a competent quarterback is in this league.
While there’s always a chance that Kubiak could look to take the team’s rebuild in another direction that does not involve Mendoza, it seems highly unlikely based on his pedigree. As a new, first-time head coach who hails from an offensive background, it would appear to be a no-brainer to take Mendoza first overall.
In short, the Mendoza-to-Jets draft dream is on life support.
Of course, things can change drastically in the NFL. The Raiders are known for their eccentric draft selections. They are the only team in league history to draft a punter and kicker in the first round during the Super Bowl era. They drafted a running back sixth overall in 2025 despite having a weak offensive line.
If there’s a team that could baffle the nation by passing up on a franchise quarterback, it would be the Raiders.
Of course, all of those strange picks occurred before an intelligent quarterback whisperer like Kubiak was hired.
Coaching hires can change the perception of an organization. That’s what the Raiders are hoping Kubiak can do. His first order of business is finding a franchise quarterback.
That means the Jets can probably scrap any long-term plan that involved Mendoza.
New York will likely have to look elsewhere for a franchise quarterback, be it in free agency, the trade market, or a non-Mendoza draft prospect.
