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Raiders rumor involves trading No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza before draft
TL;DR
The Las Vegas Raiders are considering trading their No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is expected to be used on Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. Reports indicate that other teams have expressed interest in acquiring the top pick.
Raiders rumor involves trading No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza before draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Las Vegas Raiders have been assumed all along to be staying put with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After all, they're likely taking Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion.
But could they move if they want? It certainly sounds like it.
ESPN's Ryan McFadden reported Tuesday night that teams have indeed been calling the Raiders to try to trade for the top pick.
"We've gotten a few calls, and those teams know where they stand," GM John Spytek told reporters, via McFadden.
This is how McFadden summed up the possibility in his own words:
"Spytek has always been open-minded about trade offers. He mentioned that good ones can materialize on draft night if a team waits a few moments before making a selection. But if team leaders are convinced about a player, he said, they will maintain their draft spot."
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To be clear: Nothing about this report suggests that the Raiders willtrade the first overall pick.
And it isn't inherently shocking to think that they're getting calls. It makes sense for any other teams that have quality thoughts about Mendoza to at least check in, just in case.
There almost certainly wouldn't be a trade-up to No. 1 for any player other than Mendoza. This is one of those drafts where that top spot seems so clear for Vegas. Any team wanting someone else would at most have to trade up to No. 2 to get that player, because everyone knows who the Raiders are getting.
Maybe there could still be a last-minute blockbuster, but for now it sounds like these phone calls aren't leading to much by way of return intrigue from Vegas.
More NFL news:
Q&A
What teams are interested in trading for the Raiders' No. 1 pick?
Several teams have reportedly contacted the Raiders to inquire about trading for the No. 1 overall pick, although specific team names have not been disclosed.
Who is Fernando Mendoza and why is he significant for the Raiders?
Fernando Mendoza is the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana, and he is expected to be the Raiders' selection if they retain the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What could be the implications of the Raiders trading their No. 1 pick?
If the Raiders trade their No. 1 pick, it could significantly alter their draft strategy and impact their chances of securing a top quarterback prospect like Fernando Mendoza.
