Raiders sign No. 1 overall pick QB Fernando Mendoza

Field Level Media|published: Thu 23rd July, 13:17 2026

Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, on Thursday.

The Heisman Trophy winner's four-year rookie deal is worth a fully guaranteed $57.27 million and includes a fifth-year option.

Mendoza, 22, guided Indiana to its first national championship and a 16-0 season in 2025. He completed 72.0% of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions in his lone season with the Hoosiers.

The Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the likely Week 1 starter for this season, with Mendoza as the long-term face of the franchise.

Mendoza and the Raiders reportedly had been at odds over his signing bonus. The team did not disclose those details on Thursday.

Rookies were due to report to training camp for Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Mendoza played his first two collegiate campaigns at Cal from 2023-24, throwing for a combined 4,712 yards with 30 TDs and 16 interceptions in 20 games for the Golden Bears.

--Field Level Media