Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Hoosiers
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders have done a lot of heavy lifting in free agency to improve their team for the 2026 NFL season. Nonetheless, they are missing one major piece that they can address in the upcoming draft next month, and that’s quarterback.
With the Silver and Black holding the No. 1 overall pick, theyare projected to take former Indiana Hoosiers QB, Fernando Mendoza. In free agency, the Raiders signed Tyler Linderbaum to beef up their offensive line for the potential drafting of Mendoza.
Moreover, former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr spoke about whether he’s really ready to jump in and help pass along knowledge as the team’s signal-caller.
“I have told my agent, I’ve told people, I was like, ‘Man, if they ever want me to come out there and help him in any way,'”Carr said on March 11 on AM 570 LA Sports. “Now, they have so many great coaches, and Tom’s there and all those things.
“But I do know that building. I do know our fan base. I do know what it means to be a Raider. If that’s something that Mr. [Mark] Davis wanted, and [head coach Klint Kubiak] and those guys, just to spend some time with him and show him what it’s like to be a pro.
“I tell people I’m the most upgraded version of the iPhone. I just got out of it, so I get it. I’ve seen thecoverages. I know these things. If that’s something they would like, if that’s something that gives him some value, I would absolutely be willing to help him in any way.”
Raiders Making Sure Fernando Mendoza Can Succeed
The Raiders’ offensive line was a disaster last season, but now Linderbaum is in the fold, and he’ll anchor the unit as the center. As a result, on March 10, ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the Raiders are setting up Mendoza to succeed should Las Vegas draft him next month.
“It’s the best day the Raiders could have had for their potential young quarterback,”Orlovsky said on the March 10 edition of “Get Up.” “I think the No. 1 thing you can do for a young quarterback to help him is give him a defense.
“Make him feel that he doesn’t have to score 30 points a game and a touchdown every pass play. The addition of those defensive picks is a big deal.
“Then the second thing is you can keep him clean. And Tyler Linderbaum is going to be a big part of that. Linderbaum is very good in the run game, in their zone run game. Klint Kubiak getting out on the edges and being athletic. He’s also really strong in protection.”
Las Vegas Receives Praise for Offseason Moves
The Raiders have addressed several weak areas within their squad to be a competitive group in 2026 under Kubiak. As a result, ESPN’s Freddie Coleman didn’t hold back his praise on what Las Vegas has done so far this offseason.
“The best move to me about the offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders actually look like they know what they’re doing,”Coleman said on the March 12 edition of “Freddie and Harry.” “…They have had a solid plan. Who’s the head coach we’re going to need to coach Fernando Mendoza? Let’s get a guy there, what he did for Sam Darnold last year with theSeattle Seahawks, in Klint Kubiak. I have no doubt he’s going to put together a terrific staff.
“Then whatever they needed in free agency, they went out there and signed it. They didn’t waste the salary cap space. They had the second‑most in the National Football League, and they went out and got guys on the offensive line and on defense. Honestly, they lucked into keeping Maxx Crosby.”