Raiderstation

Post any interviews, pods, pictures or stories here.

The rooks are in the building. Mostly to sign, take a physicals and talk to reporters with a a couple light workouts.
Let's go

raidersince63 wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:15 pm I dunno...this off season compared to last year just seems to have a completely different feel to me. What they've done so far with FAs and the draft has impressed me quite a bit and though we're not a real threat for a SB title yet, I believe we've improved the roster on both sides of the ball.

Last year I never liked the decisions and hires of Pete and his crew and never liked the Geno hiring and I got hammered for that and found myself SMH half way thru the 1st quarter of games...if we're at least competitive this year and enjoyable to watch again, I'll be shickled titless.

I'm definitely optimistic, but trust no f[raiders_icon]cking way...the raiders are a if it can go wrong it will go wrong franchise!

pfish57 wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:23 pm I'm definitely optimistic, but trust no f[raiders_icon]cking way...the raiders are a if it can go wrong it will go wrong franchise!

Hopefully, for all of us, that's all in the past.

NoThanksSir wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 3:33 pm I think Mendoza is the real deal, but he's not Peyton Manning. I actually think he could use some time to learn, he's not there yet. I'm still convinced he's our future but I think there is a reasonable argument for saving him until the rest of the team gets their shit together. That might mean he doesn't play until October or November, and I'm fine with that. This guy is no stranger to earning his spot either. I think he wants it to unfold like this. He's going to beat out Cousins eventually. He's the better QB on a long enough timeline

Just my opinion, but based on what we know of him so far, I believe what we can count on is whether Mendoza started Week 1, Week 4, Week 8, or next year, he’s eventually the starter. Not only is he eventually the starter, he’ll eventually be winning us football games. He’s a “franchise” quarterback. The Raiders have a f[raiders_icon]cking true-blue franchise quarterback.

All it is is a difference in trajectory. It will still end up in the same place, Mendoza leading the Raiders onto the football field. As much as I’m excited to see him out there, I can wait too. Been waiting 24 years. We haven’t seen a playoff win since 2002. There’s some sad poetry in putting the Raiders “Era of Incompetence” at a tidy 25 years.

It may be asking for a lot for Mendoza to lead us to a playoff win next year, but I think it could happen. He can take us to the playoffs and bring to a close a quarter f[raiders_icon]cking century of frustration, futility, and disappointment. He’ll do it by bringing back what was lost. By restoring what this franchise once stood for. A “Commitment to Excellence”.

FLORIDARAYDAH wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:20 pm We don't have either. Solid O line and solid weapons. Sounds like you are not sure of Mendoza and are building in excuses to me.
If he doesn't start day 1 it's because they don't feel he is ready IMO

We have satisfactory receiving options and the OL is a mystery, but one thing I don't want is a f[raiders_icon]cked up arm and leg for taking a beating if we suck. That's stupid management.

Goodtimes333 wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 9:07 pm

First pro minicamp and Mendo with the perfect placement. f[raiders_icon]ck yeah.

Just hype…

NewEraX25 wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 4:54 pm So he is infallible?

I never said that. I have yet to see a QB (or any person for that matter) who was infallible. All I am saying is that this kids ability and intelligence is off the charts. Does that guarantee he is a week 1 starter? I will be disappointed if he is not, but I would understand (and would not jump off a bridge) if Cousin's # is called week one. I just think our OL and WR's (albeit improved) are very questionable at best. Couple that with the fact that offenses are always behind defenses to start a season, and I could see the reasoning behind not starting him week 1. Maybe the staff wants to ensure that the kinks are worked out (let Cousins get knocked around) before calling Mendoza's # (why expose Mendoza to psyche or physical damage).

I really believe the Pats recipe for handling Maye might be a good recipe to follow. The Pats (who had a worse situation for Maye than we currently have for Mendoza) decided to sit Maye for a few games. They gave him a few snaps before bringing him in as a starter. He suffered an injury a short time after and when he came back, he started and never looked back. I could see something like that happening to Mendoza. I know some over here thought it was good to let Maye sit so he could learn. I believe that is rubbish and it had more to do with the aforementioned. How much did Maye learn holding the clipboard for a few weeks? He could have learned something, but I believe he was held out for ulterior motives than for just a learning experience. Sorry about the long post.

NewEraX25 wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 4:53 pm It's common for rookies who haven't signed yet to sign a waiver that protects them in the event they get injured prior to signing.

I was going to say this, I thought it’s ok for Rookies who haven’t signed yet to participate in Rookie mini camp, it’s training camp where they need to be signed. Remember last year Jack Bech and most of the 2nd round picks in the NFL hadn’t signed until training camp because the one guy who got drafted early in the 2nd was holding out. And Bech participated last year during Rookie camp, he was running drills.

RI RAIDER wrote: Sat May 02, 2026 5:26 am I never said that. I have yet to see a QB (or any person for that matter) who was infallible. All I am saying is that this kids ability and intelligence is off the charts. Does that guarantee he is a week 1 starter? I will be disappointed if he is not, but I would understand (and would not jump off a bridge) if Cousin's # is called week one. I just think our OL and WR's (albeit improved) are very questionable at best. Couple that with the fact that offenses are always behind defenses to start a season, and I could see the reasoning behind not starting him week 1. Maybe the staff wants to ensure that the kinks are worked out (let Cousins get knocked around) before calling Mendoza's # (why expose Mendoza to psyche or physical damage).

I really believe the Pats recipe for handling Maye might be a good recipe to follow. The Pats (who had a worse situation for Maye than we currently have for Mendoza) decided to sit Maye for a few games. They gave him a few snaps before bringing him in as a starter. He suffered an injury a short time after and when he came back, he started and never looked back. I could see something like that happening to Mendoza. I know some over here thought it was good to let Maye sit so he could learn. I believe that is rubbish and it had more to do with the aforementioned. How much did Maye learn holding the clipboard for a few weeks? He could have learned something, but I believe he was held out for ulterior motives than for just a learning experience. Sorry about the long post.

I think you are going to be disappointed... as are a few more on here. It's almost a lock that Cousins will start the season...IMO. I don't see that as a bad thing. I know some disagree with that, and I understand it. With both Kubiak and Brady stating they don't want a rookie starting the season, I think Cousins is as close to a lock as you will get for starting the season in this new regime.

GoodTimeCharlie wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 9:52 pm First pro minicamp and Mendo with the perfect placement. f[raiders_icon]ck yeah.

I said a light workout but they were going full speed for sure.
I felt a lot of energy out there.

ALLRAIDERWORLD21 wrote: Sat May 02, 2026 5:42 am I was going to say this, I thought it’s ok for Rookies who haven’t signed yet to participate in Rookie mini camp, it’s training camp where they need to be signed. Remember last year Jack Bech and most of the 2nd round picks in the NFL hadn’t signed until training camp because the one guy who got drafted early in the 2nd was holding out. And Bech participated last year during Rookie camp, he was running drills.

And some on here went apeshit saying Bech was holding out which wasn't true.

Contract values are set by the CBA, but there are still some negotiating points like timing of bonus payments, so it's not surprising for some higher picks to take more time to sign a deal. They are protected financially in case of injury so they still participate without more risk than if they'd already signed their contract.

Dr Death wrote: Sat May 02, 2026 6:06 am I think you are going to be disappointed... as are a few more on here. It's almost a lock that Cousins will start the season...IMO. I don't see that as a bad thing. I know some disagree with that, and I understand it. With both Kubiak and Brady stating they don't want a rookie starting the season, I think Cousins is as close to a lock as you will get for starting the season in this new regime.

I agree with what your saying. The question in my mind is how long does Cousins play. I think he wants to continue on in his career and does not want to give up playing (although I have no idea about that). Did he and Klint have conversations about this? I do not get the warm and fuzzy feeling about him desiring to be a teacher (again I have no idea about that and I am not knocking on him). I am scared that he is going to play longer than any of us expect.

Dr Death wrote: Sat May 02, 2026 6:06 am I think you are going to be disappointed... as are a few more on here. It's almost a lock that Cousins will start the season...IMO. I don't see that as a bad thing. I know some disagree with that, and I understand it. With both Kubiak and Brady stating they don't want a rookie starting the season, I think Cousins is as close to a lock as you will get for starting the season in this new regime.

Agreed...but I also understand there are sometimes fragile egos involved in this topic.