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

Fernando Mendoza, the top pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, has signed his rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, he and the team announced on Thursday.

Mendoza was the last of the team’s 10 draft picks to sign; fourth-round cornerback Jermod McCoy inked his rookie deal on Wednesday.

The contract is worth $57,271,500 over four years with a team option available for a fifth season. Such figures are slotted by the NFL’s rookie scale; other details within the agreement, such as the schedule of payments for his $38.1 million signing bonus, were negotiable.

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

“I’m excited to get this thing signed,” Mendoza said in the team’s social media post. “Excited to be a part of the silver and black. Can’t wait. Appreciate you guys for all your support. Let’s get this thing rolling.”

Raiders rookies reported to training camp on Thursday, with veterans set to join them on Tuesday. Mendoza is expected to start the 2026 season in a backup role behind veteran Kirk Cousins.

Mendoza led the University of Indiana to a national championship in January, winning the Heisman Trophy. During his final season with the Hoosiers, he threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for seven touchdowns.