There has been a widespread belief, almost from the moment they amassed the worst record in the league, that the Las Vegas Raiders are set to make Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Still, that hasn't been carved in stone yet.
The Raiders had a large contingent in pursuit of Mendoza, including the Heisman-winner's victory at the College Football National Championship. However, perhaps the Raiders aren't 100% sold on Mendoza being their next franchise QB.
According to the , the franchise will always consider trade offers for the top selection in the draft.
“I learned a long time ago – always listen,” Spytek said. "I'm always listening. I watched him a few times this season, evaluating him. We're not allowed to talk to him, so it's as close as I get to standing on the sidelines before a game."
If the Raiders are "always listening," we'd assume that includes offers for Maxx Crosby, despite their best efforts to say they want him back. Whether Crosby feels the same way remains to be seen, but he has tried to convey through back-channels that he would like to play elsewhere.
Still, if the Raiders are actually listening to offers instead of picking and choosing Mendoza, it opens the door to a potential blockbuster offer, just like the Rams did in 2016 when they traded up to take Jared Goff.
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