Early indicators suggest the Las Vegas Raiders are cooling on Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their potential franchise quarterback. The Raiders secure the top spot in the upcoming NFL Draft on April 24, where Mendoza, who guided his college team to a national championship last season, stands as the clear frontrunner.
Raiders Prefer Veteran Start
Team officials indicate reluctance to launch the 2026 season with a rookie under center in Week 1. This stance does not rule out selecting Mendoza but signals openness to trade discussions for the prized No. 1 pick.
Las Vegas minority owner Tom Brady, actively shaping the offseason rebuild, previously expressed admiration for Mendoza. The squad endured a dismal 3-14 finish in 2025 under quarterback Geno Smith, a performance that led to head coach Pete Carroll’s dismissal. Smith remains under contract for one more year, though fans showed their displeasure, prompting a rude gesture from him after one loss.
New head coach Klint Kubiak, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, may opt to retain Smith while developing Mendoza or another draft prospect.
Jets Signal Trade Intentions
The New York Jets, holding the No. 2 and No. 16 picks, appear poised to test the waters. General Manager Darren Mougey hinted at interest during recent comments: “Absolutely, we’ll talk about all those things, but I don’t think that’s happening.”
Organization insiders believe the Jets will probe Raiders’ willingness to deal, though expectations lean toward Las Vegas retaining the pick. Like the Raiders, the Jets urgently seek quarterback stability, with free agency options also in play if a trade-up fails.
Multiple teams could join negotiations if the top selection becomes available, heightening draft intrigue as both franchises prioritize long-term success.
