Early indicators suggest the Las Vegas Raiders may be cooling on Fernando Mendoza as their long-term quarterback solution. Holding the top spot in the upcoming NFL Draft at the end of April, the Raiders eye Indiana Hoosiers star Mendoza, who guided his college team to a national championship last season and remains the consensus No. 1 prospect.
Raiders Prefer Veteran Starter
Recent discussions at the NFL Combine reveal the Raiders’ reluctance to begin the 2026 season with a rookie under center in Week 1. While this stance does not rule out selecting Mendoza, it signals openness to trade offers for the prized first-round pick.
The team’s 2025 campaign proved disastrous under quarterback Geno Smith, finishing 3-14 in the AFC West and leading to head coach Pete Carroll’s dismissal. Smith, who drew fan ire—including flipping them off after one loss—remains under contract for another year. New head coach Klint Kubiak, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, could opt to retain Smith while developing a young quarterback like Mendoza.
Jets Signal Trade Interest
The New York Jets appear poised to test the waters. General Manager Darren Mougey hinted at their intentions Sunday, stating, “Absolutely, we’ll talk about all those things, but I don’t think that’s happening.”
Both franchises desperately seek quarterback stability. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, actively involved in the rebuild, has voiced admiration for Mendoza. The Jets hold the No. 2 and No. 16 picks in the first round, set for April 24, positioning them well for a potential move up if the Raiders entertain deals.
Should Las Vegas make the top selection available, multiple teams could join negotiations, reshaping draft strategies across the league.
