Raiders Sign No. 1 Pick Mendoza; Backup Plan
Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders' No. 1 overall pick, signed a four-year rookie contract with Las Vegas worth about $57.27 million, including a fully guaranteed deal and a $38.1 million signing bonus. The agreement comes as training camp opens, and Mendoza will begin his Raiders tenure as a backup behind veteran Kirk Cousins, with the team planning a gradual transition. His college résumé features a Heisman Trophy and a national championship season at Indiana, but the NFL emphasizes a measured path rather than an immediate starting role. Reports have circulated about how the signing bonus might be distributed, reflecting typical top-pick arrangements. Some sources indicate the Raiders could sprinkle Mendoza with some first-team reps in camp to gauge readiness without rushing him. A fifth-year option remains possible, aligning with the team's cautious development approach.
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Left· 7 sources
“Fernando Mendoza Built his Heisman Season on a Play NFL Offenses Are Ditching”Kansas City Star · Jul 24, 2026
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“Fernando Mendoza signs rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders”KVVU - Las Vegas News · Jul 23, 2026
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