How NFL people reportedly view Fernando Mendoza could sound alarms for Raiders amid Lamar Jackson rumors

The Las Vegas Raiders' regime that is currently being led by minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek is expected to improve the club's quarterback situation, either by making Indiana's Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft or by trading for a proven commodity. 

In his latest mailbag published on Wednesday, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated was asked what "NFL people" think about Mendoza as a prospect. Breer's answer may cause some Raiders fans to rethink who they want as their 2026 Week 1 QB1. 

Fernando Mendoza compared to playoff-caliber quarterback

"He’s seen as a Jared Goff–level No. 1 pick," Breer wrote about Mendoza. "Certainly a worthy first-rounder, but not seen as at the same level as guys like Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence or Caleb Williams." 

That's not an insult to Mendoza, as Goff once helped the Los Angeles Rams reach the Super Bowl and has since become an MVP finalist during his Detroit Lions tenure. However, teams usually are searching for a franchise-altering player, such as Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson, when they spend a No. 1 overall pick on a quarterback.  

Recent whispers have linked Jackson with the Raiders, and some have suggested that Baltimore firing then-head coach John Harbaugh doesn't necessarily guarantee that the club won't entertain offers for the two-time MVP this offseason. 

More unknown than known about Raiders' possible Fernando Mendoza, Lamar Jackson decision

Brady and Spytek haven't yet hired a head coach following the dismissal of Pete Carroll, so one can only guess how the Raiders' next staff will handle the club's quarterback room. Additionally, Jackson is looking to put pen to paper on a contract extension after he signed a five-year deal reportedly worth up to $260M with $185M guaranteed in the spring of 2023. Mendoza or any other 2026 pick will be on an inexpensive rookie contract for at least the next handful of seasons. 

Brady and Spytek may disagree with the unnamed "NFL people" about what Mendoza will and/or won't be as a pro. That said, it certainly sounds like some executives and coaches would rather work with Jackson in his prime than with Mendoza as a rookie this coming fall.