It’s official: the Las Vegas Raiders‘ last two holdouts have put pen to paper.
Before this week, Fernando Mendoza and Jermod McCoy remained unsigned, unlike most rookies in the NFL. Because of his injury history, McCoy was drafted a lot later than expected. Almost all of the quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft took a lot of time to sign their contracts, including Mendoza.
Both players have now officially signed their rookie contracts.
July 23 was the first day of training camp for all Raiders rookies. On top of that, some other players were present as well. In particular, one of these was star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. He made the announcement on a recent episode of “The Rush.”
“I am coming off an injury so I have to go July 23,” Crosby said. “Ultimately I am extremely excited.”
Fernando Mendoza’s quest to QB1 starts now
Different from last season, Las Vegas has a real quarterback competition. Although Kirk Cousins signed a five-year, $172 million contract, it is only guaranteed for one season. It is up to the development of the 2026 No. 1 overall pick to earn the starting position. Head coach Klint Kubiak wants Mendoza to sit the entire season, but nothing is guaranteed.
In addition, Aidan O’Connell will fight for the quarterback job as well. This is the final year of his rookie contract and possibly his last chance to play in Sin City. The pads will come on, and the best player will earn the job. Mendoza will have to beat out two veteran quarterbacks.
Related: Inside the Raiders’ massive gamble to finally get it right
Is Jermod McCoy healthy enough to play?
Eric Stokes is solidified as the number one cornerback for this roster, but the other spot is still up for grabs. Darien Porter, Hezekiah Masses, and Jermod McCoy are all in the mix for that job. Of the three, the former University of Tennessee cornerback, McCoy, is arguably the most talented player in the room.
Porter struggled in 2025 as he continued to learn the position. McCoy, in contrast, brings plenty of experience to the table, though his knee injury complicates the picture. Masses, meanwhile, has a great mentality that helps him overcome his undersized frame. All told, the cornerback spot is one of the many training camp battles to watch for Sin City.
Between McCoy and Mendoza, who has a better chance to start this season?
*Top Photo: Courtesy of NFL.com