No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza signs $57.27 million rookie contract with Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders have finalized a four‑year, $57.27 million rookie contract with quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. The deal is fully guaranteed and includes a fifth‑year team option. The agreement features a $38.1 million signing bonus. According to reports, negotiations were extended as Mendoza’s representatives pushed for the bonus to be paid in a single installment rather than split over multiple payments. Mendoza, whose selection marks the Raiders’ first top‑pick since 2007, signed the contract Thursday as rookies reported to training camp. His agreement officially secures all ten members of Las Vegas’ 2026 draft class ahead of full‑team practices. “Let’s get this happening rolling,” Mendoza said in a video shared by the team across its social media channels following the signing. With his deal in place, Mendoza will compete for the starting quarterback spot alongside veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell. Cousins took the majority of first‑team snaps during offseason workouts after signing in free agency, while Mendoza worked with the third‑string unit. Veterans are scheduled to report to camp on July 28, and the Raiders’ first preseason game is set for July 29. The signing leaves Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson as the sole remaining unsigned first‑round pick from the 2026 draft class.