Raiders sign No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza to a 4-year, $57.27 million contract - NBC News

What the report says

NBC News, citing The Associated Press, reported that quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, signed a four-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders worth $57.27 million. The deal, announced Thursday, also gives the Raiders a fifth-year option, a standard mechanism for first-round selections that can extend team control if exercised.

Mendoza, a former Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, had been the only one of Las Vegas’ 10 draft picks who remained unsigned. In a team social media post referenced by the report, he said he was pleased to have the contract completed and was looking forward to joining the Raiders’ “Silver and Black.”

The signing clears the way for Mendoza to participate fully as training camp opens Wednesday. According to the report, he worked with the third-team offense during organized team activities and minicamp, but is expected to have a larger role once camp begins. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who joined Las Vegas on a free-agent deal that includes $20 million guaranteed, is set to enter camp as the No. 1 quarterback.

The quarterback competition is now a central issue for the Raiders. Mendoza arrives after a decorated final college season in which, according to the report, he won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to its first national championship. Whether he pushes Cousins immediately or develops more gradually will be one of the team’s most closely watched storylines entering the season.