Raiders Sign Top Pick Fernando Mendoza to Rookie Deal

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, to his rookie contract, the team announced on Thursday, July 23. The deal ensures the entire Raiders draft class is under contract ahead of the start of training camp.

Mendoza, 22, signed a four-year contract worth $57.27 million that is fully guaranteed. The deal includes a $38.11 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option for the 2030 season that the team can exercise in 2029. The signing concludes negotiations with the centerpiece of the team's 10-player draft class.

The quarterback's college career began at the University of California, Berkeley, before he transferred to Indiana University. At Indiana, Mendoza won a national championship and the Heisman Trophy. In his final collegiate season in 2025, he started 16 games, completing 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, while also rushing for seven touchdowns.

The Raiders secured the top draft pick after finishing the 2025 season with a 3-14 record. The team's selection of Mendoza was widely anticipated long before the draft. His arrival marks a significant step in the...