Early indicators suggest the Las Vegas Raiders are cooling on Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their long-term answer at the position. Holding the top spot in the upcoming NFL Draft on April 24, the Raiders view Mendoza—who guided his college team to a national championship last season—as the frontrunner to go first overall.
Raiders Prefer Veteran Starter for 2026 Season
Recent discussions at the NFL Combine reveal that Raiders officials prefer not to open the 2026 regular season with a rookie under center. This stance does not rule out selecting Mendoza but signals openness to trade offers for the prized No. 1 pick.
Minority owner Tom Brady, actively involved in the team’s offseason overhaul, has previously expressed admiration for Mendoza. The Raiders endured a dismal 3-14 finish in 2025 under quarterback Geno Smith, a performance that led to head coach Pete Carroll’s dismissal. Smith, unpopular with fans after gestures like flipping them off following a loss, remains under contract for one more year.
New head coach Klint Kubiak, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, may opt to develop a drafted rookie behind Smith.
Jets Show Trade Interest
The New York Jets, armed with the No. 2 and No. 16 picks, appear poised to test the waters. General Manager Darren Mougey hinted at their intentions during recent comments, stating, “Absolutely, we’ll talk about all those things, but I don’t think that’s happening.”
Both franchises desperately seek quarterback stability. Should the Raiders entertain offers, additional teams could join negotiations, heightening drama ahead of the draft.
