Raiders sign No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to four-year rookie deal

The Las Vegas Raiders announced that quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, has signed a four-year contract worth $57.3 million. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who joined the Raiders after leaving the Falcons, remains the team’s starting quarterback for the opening week.

Coaches said Mendoza is focusing on mastering under-center snaps, a skill he used sparingly in college. Assistant head coach Mike McCoy praised his progress, noting that Mendoza has performed well in practice and is working on footwork and timing with routes. The team expects him to continue developing behind Cousins, who has taken the majority of first-team reps in recent offseason sessions.

Head coach Klint Kubiak, general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady have indicated a preference for allowing the rookie quarterback to learn from the veteran before competing for the starting role. While no firm timeline has been set, analysts suggest that Mendoza could see playing time later in the season, potentially around the team’s Week 13 bye.

Mendoza, a 6-foot-5, 236-pound quarterback from Indiana who led his college to a national title, entered the NFL with limited experience taking snaps from under center—five in his college career. He is currently working on the first two steps after the snap and conducting walk-throughs with fellow rookies. The Raiders have framed his development as a gradual process, with the expectation that he could assume the starting position in future seasons.