Fernando Mendoza signs guaranteed deal with Raiders; team looks to future
Mendoza Secures Rookie Contract
Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has officially signed his rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. The deal, announced on Thursday, July 23, is valued at $57.27 million and is fully guaranteed. It also includes a fifth-year option, a standard feature for first-round selections.
The signing of Mendoza’s contract was anticipated, as rookie deals for top draft picks are typically slotted and predetermined. However, negotiations for top draft picks, especially quarterbacks, often involve details such as signing bonus cash flow, guaranteed money specifics, and offset language. A person familiar with the situation indicated that Mendoza’s signing bonus was a point of discussion that initially delayed the agreement.
While single lump sum payments have become customary for No. 1 overall picks, the Raiders’ standard practice is to pay signing bonuses in installments. This was a factor in the negotiations, as the last No. 1 pick to not receive their signing bonus in a single lump sum was Kyler Murray in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Mendoza, a Miami native, was among several top quarterbacks from this year’s draft who were unsigned as of Wednesday morning. Other quarterbacks, including Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, and Drew Allar, were also awaiting their deals. The Arizona Cardinals signed Beck to his rookie deal on Wednesday afternoon, coinciding with their rookies reporting to training camp. Similarly, the Raiders’ rookies reported to camp on Thursday, creating a sense of urgency for Mendoza’s signing.
Outlook for the Raiders and Mendoza
With the contract now settled, Mendoza can focus on his first year with the Silver and Black. The Raiders view Mendoza as the future of their franchise, and his signing brings renewed hope to a team that has experienced a challenging period in recent years. The organization believes it is an “arrow up” franchise, as described by one NFL source, despite playing in the competitive AFC West, which includes playoff contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Mendoza will not be immediately handed the starting quarterback role. That position currently belongs to veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a one-year deal with the Raiders this offseason. Cousins is expected to serve as a bridge starter, allowing Mendoza time to learn the offense, adapt to the speed of the game, and develop professionally.
A Raiders source confirmed that the club is not in a hurry to place Mendoza in the starting lineup. However, they are also not dismissing the possibility that Mendoza could quickly demonstrate his capabilities. He is expected to receive some, but not a majority, of the starting repetitions during training camp practices. The starting job will be evaluated based on performance, and if Mendoza proves to be a better option than Cousins, he will earn the role.
The Raiders made significant changes during the offseason, including improvements to the offensive line and defense. They also managed to retain star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who was initially traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Crosby expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, posting “Go time” on X.
Mendoza brings a winning pedigree to the Raiders, having won a national championship and the Heisman Trophy. He is only the third quarterback in the Super Bowl era to achieve both before being selected first overall in the ensuing NFL draft, following Cam Newton in 2011 and Joe Burrow in 2020. In the 2025 season, he led the FBS with 41 touchdowns. The Raiders, coming off a 3-14 season, used their second No. 1 overall pick in the Common Draft Era to select Mendoza, aiming for a turnaround. The team’s first No. 1 overall pick in this era was JaMarcus Russell in 2007.
Fans are hopeful to see Mendoza play at some point during the 2026 season, though the club is not committing to a specific timeline. If Mendoza does not play, it would be attributed to Cousins performing well rather than Mendoza not being ready. The team’s minority owner, Tom Brady, is also available as a resource for Mendoza. The season officially begins on Thursday.
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Source: foxnews.com
