Raiders avoid Fernando Mendoza drama ahead of training camp

As Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio previously noted, "rookie holdouts are now very rare" in the modern NFL. Nevertheless, eyebrows were raised when it was mentioned on Wednesday that Las Vegas Raiders quarterback and No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza had not yet put pen to paper on his rookie contract. 

Tyler Dragon of USA Today and others had pointed out that unsigned rookies aren’t permitted to participate in training camp. Raiders rookies reported for camp on Thursday, and Las Vegas will now have Mendoza as a full participant for upcoming sessions.

Fernando Mendoza, Raiders come to agreement for start of training camp

The Raiders confirmed on Thursday that Mendoza had signed his contract. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t Grant Gordon), Mendoza inked a four-year deal that is worth a fully guaranteed $57.27M and includes a fifth-year option. 

"I'm excited to get this thing signed," Mendoza said in a video shared by the Raiders. "Excited to be part of the silver and black. Can't wait. Appreciate you guys for all the support. Let's get this thing rolling." 

Why the Rams, Steelers are likely glad Fernando Mendoza signed his deal

Mendoza signed his contract shortly after fellow rookie Carson Beck of the Arizona Cardinals inked his agreement. According to Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, Ty Simpson of the Los Angeles Rams and Drew Allar of the Pittsburgh Steelers were the only unsigned rookie quarterbacks remaining as of early Thursday afternoon. History shows that Mendoza getting his deal done should result in Simpson and Allar signing their contracts sooner rather than later. 

While Simpson and Allar are both on track to begin their rookie seasons as backups, Mendoza possibly winning the Raiders' QB1 gig over veteran Kirk Cousins is reportedly "on the table." 

Las Vegas will open the preseason with a game versus the Cardinals on Aug. 13. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, Mendoza shouldn't miss any practice time ahead of that contest.