Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top overall selection in this year’s NFL draft, has signed a four-year contract worth $57.27 million with the Las Vegas Raiders, completing the team’s signing of its entire draft class.
The deal, finalized Thursday in Henderson, Nevada, includes a fifth-year option held by the Raiders. Mendoza was the last of the franchise’s 10 draft picks to reach an agreement.
“I’m excited to get this thing signed,” Mendoza said in a post on the team’s social media. “I’m excited to be a part of the silver and black. Can’t wait.”
Mendoza arrives in Las Vegas fresh off a standout final college season, in which he won the Heisman Trophy and guided Indiana to its first national championship. The Raiders are hoping he can carry that momentum into the professional ranks.
During organized team activities and minicamp, Mendoza operated with the third-team offense, but he is expected to assume a larger role once training camp opens Wednesday. Veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a free-agent contract with $20 million guaranteed, enters camp as the starting quarterback.
How long Cousins retains that position is set to become the central storyline of the Raiders’ camp, and potentially well into the regular season, as the rookie pushes for playing time.
Elsewhere, star pass rusher Maxx Crosby indicated on his podcast “The Rush” that he would join the rookies for their portion of training camp. Crosby has been working his way back from knee surgery.
With the full draft class now under contract, attention turns to how quickly Mendoza can develop and whether he can challenge for the top job as the Raiders look to reshape their offense.