Raiders sign No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza to rookie contract

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed their first overall draft pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, to his rookie contract. The deal is valued at $57.27 million over four years and is fully guaranteed, with a fifth-year option included. With this signing, all ten players from the Raiders 2026 draft class are under contract as the team begins its training camp schedule in Henderson, Nevada.

Mendoza, the first player selected at the top of the draft by the Raiders since 2007, joins a quarterback room that includes veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O'Connell. The team intends to be patient with the rookie's development, as Cousins has taken the majority of first-team repetitions during the offseason program. While Mendoza worked primarily with the third team, he will now have the opportunity to compete for the starting role during camp.

Following this move, the Raiders are prepared to begin full-squad practices. Veterans are scheduled to arrive on July 28, with the first team practice occurring the following day. This milestone marks the completion of the team's rookie signings, allowing the front office to shift its full focus to roster management and the upcoming season.