Raiders Sign QB Fernando Mendoza To Rookie Deal

This year’s No. 1 pick has officially been signed, the Raiders announced on Thursday. This four-year pact will be worth $57.27MM fully guaranteed. Vegas will be able to keep Mendoza in the fold through 2030 via the fifth-year option. Today’s news means Rams quarterback Ty Simpson is the only Day 1 pick who has yet to sign his rookie deal.

2025’s Pete Carroll-Geno Smith tandem did not work out as planned for the Raiders, and the team finished 3-14. That secured the top pick in the draft, and it was known long before the event’s opening night that Mendoza would be heading to Vegas. The Heisman winner is due to collect a signing bonus of $38.11MM; the schedule along which that figure will be paid out may have contributed to the delay in an official agreement being reached.

In any case, Mendoza is in line to participate in training camp and the preseason this summer. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was added in free agency, reuniting with new head coach Klint Kubiak in the process. Cousins is expected to handle QB1 duties at the start of the 2026 campaign, although Mendoza could receive limited first-team reps during practice. Whenever the Indiana product takes over, he and the Raiders will look to begin a long-term run with him running the offense.

Today’s news comes shortly after cornerback Jermod McCoy signed his rookie pact. The Tennessee alum was widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in this year’s class, but concerns over his knee resulted in a drop to the fourth round. McCoy was a limited participant in spring practices, but he will aim to handle a full workload in training camp. Doing so could see him earn a starting position.

Here is an updated look at the Raiders’ 2026 draft class:

• Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 38 (from Commanders via Texans): Treydan Stukes (S, Arizona) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 67: Keyron Crawford (EDGE, Auburn) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 91 (from Bills via Texans): Trey Zuhn (G, Texas A&M) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 101 (from Titans via Bills): Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 122 (from Eagles via Falcons): Mike Washington (RB, Arkansas) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 150 (from Saints): Dalton Johnson (S, Arizona) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 175*: Hezekiah Masses (CB, Cal) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 195 (from Buccaneers): Malik Benson (WR, Oregon) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 229 (from Buccaneers): Brandon Cleveland (DT, NC State)