First overall pick Fernando Mendoza signs guaranteed deal with Raiders, who seem to be an ‘arrow up’ NFL club

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The Fernando Mendoza era is officially underway for the Las Vegas Raiders because he just signed a contract worth $57.27 million — every cent of it guaranteed.

We knew Mendoza would eventually get to signing his four-year deal that will include a fifth-year option. It was a matter of time because, well, all NFL rookies generally sign their slotted deals, and the No. 1 overall selection of the 2026 draft would be no different.

But this signing hits different because it means an NFL legacy franchise that has suffered a desert experience in recent years after having a self-described “Commitment to Excellence” in previous decades offers renewed hope.

TOM BRADY SENDS CLEAR MESSAGE TO RAIDERS ROOKIE FERNANDO MENDOZA: EARN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaking at a news conference in Henderson, Nevada.

“I’m excited to get this thing signed,” Mendoza said in a video released by the team. “Excited to be a part of the Silver and Black. Can’t wait. Appreciate you guys all support. Let’s get this thing rolling.”

So, what will “rolling” look like for Mendoza?

It will look like he’s a rookie trying to earn his role.

He will not be handed the starting quarterback job. That currently belongs to veteran Kirk Cousins.

The 14-year veteran signed a one-year deal with the Raiders this offseason to serve as a sort of bridge starting quarterback while Mendoza learns the offense, learns the speed of the game, learns how to be a professional, and earns the starting job.

Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko talks with quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins at minicamp

The starting job will not be handed to Mendoza, per a Raiders source. The club is not in a huge hurry to get him in the lineup.

But the club is neither dismissing the possibility that Mendoza will come as advertised – which means he learns quickly, makes good decisions, isn’t overmatched, and leads.

When Mendoza, who is expected to get some but not a majority of the starting repetitions in training camp practices, shows he’s a better option than Cousins, then he’ll get the starting job.

(This won’t be decided in a vacuum. Once the regular season begins, the Raiders will obviously evaluate Cousins week to week and if he doesn’t perform, the chances of the club turning to Mendoza will increase. If Cousins plays well and wins, he keeps the starting job.)

Fans hope to see Mendoza at some point in 2026 regardless of the situation but the club isn’t committing to that now. The Raiders say if it doesn’t happen it would be because Cousins simply is playing too well to bench rather than a sign Mendoza isn’t ready.

All of these hopes and expectations come before one regular-season, preseason or training camp snap. Circumstances often change.

But this remains: Mendoza is the future.

Raiders minority owner Tom Brady yelling encouragement to players on the field at Allegiant Stadium

He’s got minority owner Tom Brady as a resource.

The Raiders made massive changes (improvements, they believe) along the offensive line and on defense in the offseason. They were even able to keep star edge rusher Maxx Crosby after initially trading him away to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Crosby, by the way, is excited about what’s ahead.

“Go time,” he posted on X earlier Thursday.

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The Raiders believe they are an “arrow up” franchise, as one NFL source put it. Yes, they play in the difficult AFC West that includes three playoff contenders in the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers.

But if Mendoza performs as billed, this club will be relevant in the years to come.

It begins on Thursday.

Follow Armando Salguero on X: @ArmandoSalguero

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