In the end, there was no mystery as expected — Fernando Mendoza is a Las Vegas Raider.
In a move that has been expected for months, the Raiders believe they got their new franchise quarterback by taking the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana.
Mendoza is completely on board with joining the Silver and Black.
“What a great organizatiob and legacy … looking forward to talking to my teammates, coaches and owners. I’m ecstatic for this opportunity,” Mendoza told NFL Network moments after he was drafted.
Incoming call from Miami… 📳 #RaiderNation 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/mHCdjeNqYS
In a call with Las Vegas media members, Mendoza said he is excited to play for Klint Kubiak and he thinks the quarterback can be a point guard in the offense. He is also excited to have p[art owner Tom Brady as a mentor, calling it an edge for the team.
Raiders’ general manager John Spytek to the team’s website that Mendoza checked boxes during the entire draft processs and that he beleives the quarterback “is the right guy for the Raiders.”
Congratulations to all the rookies who are joining the NFL this weekend. I hope you can appreciate this special moment… you’ve earned it through hard work, discipline, and determination. You’ve made your family proud, along with everyone else on your journey that has supported…
The Raiders selecting Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 puts him alongside Joe Burrow, Jameis Winston and Cam Newton as the only QBs since 1967 to win the Heisman Trophy, a national title and go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft.
As the 1st overall pick, Fernando Mendoza's fully guaranteed 4-year rookie contract should be $57.272M, which includes a $38.112M as a signing bonus.
Fernando Mendoza will join these Heisman Trophy winners to play for #Raiders:Charles WoodsonJim PlunkettMarcus AllenBo JacksonTim BrownCarson PalmerMatt LeinartMarcus MariotaDesmond HowardBilly Cannon
Fernando Mendoza to the RaidersDeadly accurate ->79% of throws were on-target#1 in class75% on-target throw rate on 3rd/4th down#1 in classMUCH higher floor for the Raiders in 2026 and beyond pic.twitter.com/dMRuMH454u