Raiders Lock In Future With No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza’s Historic Rookie Deal

The Las Vegas Raiders have officially secured their future quarterback after 2026 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza signed his four-year rookie contract. The deal, reportedly worth $57.27 million and fully guaranteed, allows the reigning national champion and Heisman Trophy winner to begin preparing for his first NFL season with head coach Klint Kubiak’s offense.

Unlike many recent top quarterback selections, Mendoza is not guaranteed to start immediately in Week 1. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins could open the season as the Raiders’ starter, as Kubiak has previously expressed a preference for beginning with an experienced quarterback when possible. If Mendoza does not start right away, it would mark the first season since 2022 in which a rookie quarterback selected No. 1 overall does not begin the year as his team’s starter.

Raiders Lock In Future With No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza’s Historic Rookie Deal

Mendoza Emerges as Raiders’ Franchise Quarterback After Historic College Football Success

Despite the possibility of a delayed start, Mendoza is widely viewed as the long-term solution for the Raiders. The franchise selected him after a disappointing 3–14 season, using its second No. 1 overall pick in the Common Draft Era. The Raiders previously held the top selection in 2007, when they chose LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Mendoza enters the NFL with an impressive résumé, becoming only the third quarterback in the Super Bowl era to win both a Heisman Trophy and a national championship before being selected first overall. He joins an exclusive group that includes Cam Newton and Joe Burrow.

Coming off a dominant 2025 season in which he led the FBS with 41 touchdown passes, Mendoza brings a proven winning background and high expectations to Las Vegas. The Raiders are hoping their newest franchise quarterback can help transform the team and lead a successful new chapter.