The Las Vegas Raiders have officially signed quarterback Francisco Mendoza, the first overall pick in the NFL draft, to a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $57.2 million. The deal, which includes a $38 million signing bonus, was finalized Thursday as the Raiders' rookie class reported for training camp. The team also holds a fifth-year option for the 2030 season.
Mendoza's signing leaves only the Rams' Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick, as the lone unsigned first-round selection. Negotiations for Mendoza reportedly focused on the payout schedule for his signing bonus, a point of contention for teams like the Raiders and Rams, who have historically spread bonus payments over time, unlike other franchises that issue a single lump sum. The terms of Mendoza's agreement may set a precedent for Simpson's pending deal.
Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion at Indiana, is expected to compete for the starting quarterback job with veteran Kirk Cousins, whom the Raiders signed in the offseason to serve as a bridge. While Cousins may begin the season as the starter, the Raiders have indicated an openness to Mendoza earning the position during training camp.
During his college career, Mendoza was a three-year starter, spending his first two seasons at Cal before transferring to Indiana for the 2025 season. In 36 career games, he completed 691 of 1,008 passes for 8,247 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions. Last season, he led Indiana to an undefeated 16-0 record and their first National Championship, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions.