Fernando Mendoza contract talks are over, with the No. 1 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft signing his rookie deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team and quarterback announced Thursday.
Mendoza became the final member of the Raiders’ 10-player draft class to reach terms, one day after fourth-round cornerback Jermod McCoy signed his agreement.
Fernando Mendoza contract terms
The four-year pact is valued at $57,271,500 with a team option for a fifth season, consistent with the NFL’s rookie wage scale. The structure of payments tied to his $38.1 million signing bonus was negotiable within that framework.
Across the league, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson, selected 13th overall, is the only first-round pick from 2026 who has not finalized his rookie deal.
Rookie reporting and depth chart outlook
Raiders rookies reported to training camp Thursday, with veterans due to arrive Tuesday. Mendoza is expected to begin the 2026 season as the backup to veteran Kirk Cousins.
“I’m excited to get this thing signed,” Mendoza said in a team social media post, adding his enthusiasm to join the silver and black and thanking fans for their support.
College resume
Mendoza led Indiana to the national championship in January and captured the Heisman Trophy. In his final season with the Hoosiers, he threw for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, and he added seven rushing scores.
