Fernando Mendoza signs rookie contract - NBC Sports

What the report says

NBCSports.com’s Pro Football Talk reported that Fernando Mendoza has signed his rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, making the No. 1 overall pick officially under contract as rookies reported to training camp on Thursday. The article, published July 23, 2026, said the team announced the signing and shared a social media video of Mendoza reacting to the deal.

According to NBCSports.com, citing NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mendoza’s agreement is a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $57.27 million. Because he was selected in the first round, the Raiders also control a fifth-year team option, a standard mechanism in NFL rookie contracts that can extend a first-round player’s initial stay with his drafting club.

The signing matters because it removes a major administrative hurdle before camp and ensures the Raiders’ top draft investment can begin preparation without a contract delay. For a franchise using the first overall pick on a quarterback, getting the rookie into meetings, practices and preseason work on time is typically central to the team’s development plan.

NBCSports.com also framed Mendoza’s deal as potentially relevant to other unsigned first-round quarterbacks. The report said his agreement could help clear the path for Rams quarterback Ty Simpson and Steelers quarterback Drew Allar to complete their rookie contracts, while Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck had already agreed to terms earlier in the week.