The Las Vegas Raiders announced the signing of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza on Thursday.
The rookie quarterback agreed to a four-year, $57.27-million contract that is fully guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. It also includes a $38.1-million signing bonus, according to Spotrac. The deal has a fifth-year option, like every first-round selection's contract.
The delay in Mendoza's signing was likely because he wanted to receive his bonus as a single lump sum, which isn't how the Raiders usually pay out bonuses to their first-round picks, reports Joel Corry of CBS Sports.
The 22-year-old Mendoza became the top selection in the 2026 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a national championship in 2025. He passed for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns and completed 72% of his passes in his final collegiate season.
The Raiders received the top overall choice in the draft after finishing with a 3-14 record last season. Mendoza will be tasked with learning head coach Klint Kubiak's offensive system to begin his NFL career.
While Mendoza is considered the quarterback of the future in Las Vegas, he may have to wait his turn behind Kirk Cousins. The veteran passer worked alongside Kubiak with the Minnesota Vikings from 2019-21.
