Fernando Mendoza has become the centerpiece of one of the most intriguing draft conversations in recent memory-and we’re still months away from the 2026 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders, currently holding the No. 1 overall pick, are widely expected to use it on the Indiana quarterback who just wrapped up a season for the ages. And with the numbers Mendoza put up, it’s not hard to see why.
Mendoza led Indiana to a perfect season, completing 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. That’s not just production-it’s command.
Scouts have been raving about his poise in the pocket and his ability to control the offense like a seasoned pro. He’s not just talented; he plays with a maturity that’s tough to teach.
For a Raiders franchise that’s been searching for long-term stability under center, Mendoza checks a lot of boxes.
But just when the draft picture seemed to be coming into focus, the rumor mill kicked into overdrive.
According to a report by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, at least one NFL executive believes the Baltimore Ravens could explore trading Lamar Jackson. That alone would send shockwaves through the league.
But the real kicker? The Raiders were named as a team to keep an eye on.
That possibility-pairing the Raiders with the two-time MVP-quickly became a hot-button topic across the league. One evaluator told Fowler, “It just seems like there’s been some consternation there with Lamar and the Ravens, and this would be the ultimate Mark Davis move. I’m not even convinced everybody with Vegas would be on board with it, but it would instantly solve their quarterback problems.”
The potential framework for such a deal reportedly centers around the No. 1 overall pick-essentially, the rights to Mendoza-along with additional 2027 draft capital. It’s a blockbuster concept: trade the future for a proven star.
Naturally, fans had thoughts. And plenty of them.
Some immediately pushed back on the idea, arguing that giving up Mendoza and future picks for Jackson would be a misstep for a team still in the early stages of a rebuild. One fan put it bluntly: “That’s a bad deal for the Raiders.” Another emphasized the value of a rookie quarterback on a cost-controlled contract: “Raiders aren’t on the same timeline as Lamar, and a cost-controlled QB is the best asset in football.”
Others pointed to the current state of the Raiders’ roster and questioned whether even a player of Jackson’s caliber could thrive in that environment. “Lamar Jackson is not going to single-handedly turn that waste of a franchise around,” one fan wrote. “If LJ comes in there, that line and lack of skill players will end his career.”
That’s the heart of the debate: do the Raiders stay the course and build around a young, talented quarterback on a rookie deal? Or do they swing big for a former MVP who could change the franchise’s trajectory overnight-but at a steep price?
Through it all, Mendoza has stayed composed, showing the same calm demeanor off the field that’s made him such a standout on it. Appearing on NBC’s “TODAY” show, he was asked by co-host Carson Daly about the possibility of landing in Las Vegas. Mendoza responded with respect and professionalism, without tipping his hand.
“The Raiders have a great culture, have a great coaching staff, great ownership group,” he said. “Those are legit guys. I’d be happy to end anywhere.”
That’s a quarterback answer-measured, respectful, and focused on the bigger picture.
Now, the Raiders face a franchise-defining decision. Stick with the plan, draft the rising star, and build from the ground up? Or roll the dice on Lamar Jackson, a player who’s already proven he can win at the highest level?
Draft night will bring clarity. Until then, Fernando Mendoza remains the name on everyone’s lips-and the focal point of a high-stakes debate that could reshape the future of the Raiders and ripple across the entire league.