Full Breakdown
Raiders Sign No. 1 Overall Pick Fernando Mendoza to Four-Year Rookie Deal
7/24/2026, 1:09:59 AM
Core Event
The Las Vegas Raiders announced Thursday that they have signed quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, to a four-year contract worth $57.27 million, fully guaranteed, with a fifth-year option.
Background & College Achievements
Mendoza entered the NFL after a standout collegiate career. He spent three seasons (2022-24) at the University of California, redshirting his first year, then transferred to Indiana for his final season (2025). Across 36 career games (35 starts) he completed 691 of 1,008 passes for 8,247 yards, 71 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.
In 2025 he led the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and the program’s first national championship. He threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, posting a 72.0 % completion rate—both a school single-season record and third-best in the FBS. Mendoza also led the FBS in passing touchdowns and became the only quarterback since at least 1996 to record multiple games with at least a 90 % completion rate and four-touchdown performances against Power-5 opponents.
His accolades include the Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp, Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Awards, and multiple All-American and conference honors.
Contract Details and Competition
The rookie contract, as disclosed by the Raiders, guarantees every cent of the $57.27 million over four years and includes a fifth-year option. With the deal signed, the Raiders’ entire ten-player 2026 draft class is under contract as the team reports to training camp.
Veterans will arrive on July 28, and the first practice is scheduled for the following day. Mendoza will compete for the starting quarterback role with veteran Kirk Cousins—who signed a one-year deal this offseason—and Aidan O’Connell. According to ESPN’s Ian Schefter, Cousins currently holds the edge in the competition, having received the majority of first-team reps during the offseason program, while Mendoza has seen most of his reps with the third-team offense.
Official Statements & Responses
The Raiders’ announcement emphasized that Mendoza is the franchise’s future quarterback. The organization indicated that while Cousins is expected to start the season, the team will evaluate Mendoza’s progress throughout training camp and the regular season before making a definitive decision.
Verbatim Quote
“I'm excited to get this thing signed,” — Fernando Mendoza
What’s Next
The Raiders will assess Mendoza’s development during the upcoming training camp, beginning with the first practice. If Mendoza demonstrates superior performance in practice and early preseason action, the coaching staff may consider increasing his playing time. Otherwise, veteran Kirk Cousins is slated to start the 2026 season while Mendoza continues to learn the offense and professional game speed.
