Las Vegas Raiders sign No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza to $57 million rookie deal

The Las Vegas Raiders completed their 2026 draft class by signing quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, to a four‑year, fully guaranteed contract worth $57.27 million, including a $38.1 million signing bonus and a fifth‑year team option. Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to an undefeated 16‑0 season and a national championship, will join the Raiders’ quarterback room behind veteran Kirk Cousins. While the team has not guaranteed him a Week 1 starter, head coach Klint Kubiak plans to develop him gradually, with the expectation that he could become the franchise’s long‑term signal‑caller. The signing resolves the last remaining rookie deal from the Raiders’ ten‑player draft class and positions the organization for a potential turnaround after a 3‑14 season last year.