HENDERSON (AP) — Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in this year's draft, signed a four-year, $57.27 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday.
The Raiders hold a fifth-year option.
Mendoza was the last of the Raiders' 10 draft picks to sign.
“I’m excited to get this thing signed," Mendoza said on the team's social media post. "I’m excited to be a part of the silver and black. Can’t wait.”
He ran the third-team offense in organized team activities and minicamp, but is expected to take on a larger role in training camp, which begins Wednesday.
Veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a free-agent contract worth $20 million guaranteed, enters camp as the No. 1 quarterback.
How long Cousins hangs on to that spot will be the main storyline in camp and perhaps into the season.
Mendoza hopes to translate the success he experienced in his final season of college football in which he won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to its first national championship.
Also, star pass rusher Maxx Crosby said on his podcast “The Rush” that he would join the rookies for their training camp. Crosby has been working his way back from knee surgery.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
-
NFL fans react to Fernando Mendoza joining the franchise
Fans at Day 2 of the NFL Draft talk to Channel 13 on why Fernando Mendoza makes a great addition to the Raiders.
Watch Fernando Mendoza’s first appearance as a Raider
Fernando Mendoza is headed to Vegas — and today, we'll see the newest member of the Silver and Black right here at Raiders HQ as he speaks to media as an official member of the franchise.
Raiders host post-Draft press conference
The Las Vegas Raiders make history with the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, making the move the organization has been building toward all off-season:
Raiders' Fan of the Year will play a role in the 2026 NFL Draft
Alex Eschelman talks to Barbara Estrada, the Las Vegas Raiders International Fan of the Year, about what it means to be a part of the 2026 NFL Draft.
