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Derek Carr Sets High Bar for New Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza
On July 9, former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr publicly expressed confidence in the team’s first‑overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, and said he hopes the rookie will surpass Carr’s franchise records. According to a post on X by the social‑media account Raiders Lead, Carr told reporters, “I love him, man. I hope he breaks all my records.” The comment was made during a charity golf event in Las Vegas.
Carr’s career with the Raiders spanned 11 seasons from 2014 to 2024. He finished as the franchise’s all‑time leader in passing yards (35,222), passing touchdowns (217) and completions, and he was a four‑time Pro Bowler. Carr helped the Raiders reach the playoffs in 2016 and 2021, the first appearances in the franchise’s history since 2002. After a 2022 season that fell short of expectations, Carr was released by the Raiders and later signed with the New Orleans Saints. He announced his retirement in 2025 after a severe rotator‑cuff injury ended his playing career.
Mendoza, a native of Miami, played college football first at the University of California, Berkeley, before transferring to Indiana University in 2025. He won the Heisman Trophy that season and led the Hoosiers to a national championship. His performance earned him the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him the Raiders’ starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Over his final two college seasons, Mendoza completed 12 interceptions, a 2.6% interception rate according to Pro Football Focus, indicating strong ball‑security skills.
During Carr’s tenure, the Raiders struggled defensively. According to a report by Justin Churchill of A to Z Sports, the team was often forced to rely on the offense to outscore opponents rather than a dominant defense. In 2025, the Raiders finished 3‑14, with rookie quarterback Geno Smith throwing 17 interceptions in 15 starts. The new Raiders front office, led by general manager John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak, has emphasized building a stronger defensive unit. If that goal is achieved, Mendoza will face fewer defensive shortcomings than Carr did.
Mendoza’s ball‑security record is a positive sign for the Raiders’ offensive stability. His 12 interceptions over two college seasons suggest he can protect the football better than Smith, who led the team in turnovers in 2025. The Raiders’ coaching staff has expressed confidence that the new defensive scheme will reduce the number of sacks and pressure on the quarterback, potentially allowing Mendoza to focus on developing his arm and decision‑making.
Carr’s statement is a public endorsement of Mendoza’s potential, but it also sets a high benchmark. Carr’s own statistics—35,222 yards, 217 touchdowns, and 99 interceptions—remain the standard for the franchise. The Raiders’ next challenge will be to assemble a roster that can support a quarterback who is expected to be the face of the franchise for the next decade.
As the Raiders prepare for the 2026 season, the organization is focused on roster construction, defensive improvement, and ensuring that Mendoza can transition smoothly from college to the NFL. The team’s current record, coaching changes, and the new defensive strategy will all play a role in determining whether Mendoza can live up to the legacy Carr has set. The Raiders’ next games will test the effectiveness of the new coaching staff and the resilience of the young quarterback.
In summary, Derek Carr has publicly expressed hope that Fernando Mendoza will break his franchise records. Carr’s career achievements set a high standard, while Mendoza’s college performance and ball‑security record give the Raiders a promising foundation. The team’s upcoming season will reveal whether the new defensive structure and coaching staff can help Mendoza reach or surpass the milestones Carr established during his eleven‑year tenure.
Carr’s career with the Raiders spanned 11 seasons from 2014 to 2024. He finished as the franchise’s all‑time leader in passing yards (35,222), passing touchdowns (217) and completions, and he was a four‑time Pro Bowler. Carr helped the Raiders reach the playoffs in 2016 and 2021, the first appearances in the franchise’s history since 2002. After a 2022 season that fell short of expectations, Carr was released by the Raiders and later signed with the New Orleans Saints. He announced his retirement in 2025 after a severe rotator‑cuff injury ended his playing career.
Mendoza, a native of Miami, played college football first at the University of California, Berkeley, before transferring to Indiana University in 2025. He won the Heisman Trophy that season and led the Hoosiers to a national championship. His performance earned him the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him the Raiders’ starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Over his final two college seasons, Mendoza completed 12 interceptions, a 2.6% interception rate according to Pro Football Focus, indicating strong ball‑security skills.
During Carr’s tenure, the Raiders struggled defensively. According to a report by Justin Churchill of A to Z Sports, the team was often forced to rely on the offense to outscore opponents rather than a dominant defense. In 2025, the Raiders finished 3‑14, with rookie quarterback Geno Smith throwing 17 interceptions in 15 starts. The new Raiders front office, led by general manager John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak, has emphasized building a stronger defensive unit. If that goal is achieved, Mendoza will face fewer defensive shortcomings than Carr did.
Mendoza’s ball‑security record is a positive sign for the Raiders’ offensive stability. His 12 interceptions over two college seasons suggest he can protect the football better than Smith, who led the team in turnovers in 2025. The Raiders’ coaching staff has expressed confidence that the new defensive scheme will reduce the number of sacks and pressure on the quarterback, potentially allowing Mendoza to focus on developing his arm and decision‑making.
Carr’s statement is a public endorsement of Mendoza’s potential, but it also sets a high benchmark. Carr’s own statistics—35,222 yards, 217 touchdowns, and 99 interceptions—remain the standard for the franchise. The Raiders’ next challenge will be to assemble a roster that can support a quarterback who is expected to be the face of the franchise for the next decade.
As the Raiders prepare for the 2026 season, the organization is focused on roster construction, defensive improvement, and ensuring that Mendoza can transition smoothly from college to the NFL. The team’s current record, coaching changes, and the new defensive strategy will all play a role in determining whether Mendoza can live up to the legacy Carr has set. The Raiders’ next games will test the effectiveness of the new coaching staff and the resilience of the young quarterback.
In summary, Derek Carr has publicly expressed hope that Fernando Mendoza will break his franchise records. Carr’s career achievements set a high standard, while Mendoza’s college performance and ball‑security record give the Raiders a promising foundation. The team’s upcoming season will reveal whether the new defensive structure and coaching staff can help Mendoza reach or surpass the milestones Carr established during his eleven‑year tenure.
