NFL sees no rookie quarterback starters in Week 1

For the second time in 19 seasons, no rookie quarterback is scheduled to start in Week 1 of the NFL season. This marks a notable shift in league strategy, as teams increasingly opt to develop young talent behind experienced veterans rather than immediately placing them under professional pressure.

Among the most significant cases is the Las Vegas Raiders' decision to start veteran Kirk Cousins over the No. 1 overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza becomes the first quarterback selected first overall to begin his career on the bench since Baker Mayfield in 2018.

Other teams are following similar developmental paths. The Los Angeles Rams will start a veteran over first-round pick Ty Simpson, and the Arizona Cardinals will utilize Jacoby Brissett as their starter instead of third-round selection Carson Beck.