Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 NFL Draft select, signs rookie contract

Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, changed into as soon as decided on by means of the Raiders with the highest select in April. David Becker / Getty Pictures

July 23, 2026 Up so some distance 4:03 pm EDT

Fernando Mendoza, the highest select of the 2026 NFL Draft, has signed his rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, he and the body of workers presented on Thursday.

Mendoza changed into as soon as the general of the body of workers’s 10 draft alternatives to sign; fourth-round cornerback Jermod McCoy inked his rookie deal on Wednesday.

The contract is value $57,271,500 over 4 years with a body of workers possibility to be had for a 5th season. Such figures are slotted by means of the NFL’s rookie scale; various details the entire plan via the settlement, such for the reason that time table of bills for his $38.1 million signing bonus, fetch been negotiable.

Mendoza turns into the penultimate first-rounder to sign his rookie deal. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson has but to officially sign.

“I’m aroused to earn this part signed,” Mendoza stated inside the body of workers’s social media submit. “Offended to be a segment of the silver and sunless. Can’t wait. Enjoyment of you guys for your whole fortify. Let’s earn this part rolling.”

Raiders inexperienced persons reported to training camp on Thursday, with veterans spot to sign up for them on Tuesday. Mendoza is anticipated to start the 2026 season in a backup position slack former Kirk Cousins.

Mendoza led Indiana to a countrywide championship in January, profitable the Heisman Trophy. All of the plan via his remaining season with the Hoosiers, he threw for three,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He additionally rushed for seven touchdowns.