Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Las Vegas Raiders are strongly linked to him as they will select first in April.
Raiders analyst Nick Walters suggested that the team might trade the No.1 pick if Derek Carr decides to unretire.
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Carr retired in May due to a labral tear in his shoulder and damage to his rotator cuff. The former Las Vegas quarterback said that the issue could be repaired via surgery; however, it would’ve put his season in jeopardy.
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Reports suggested that Carr’s shoulder has fully recovered, with no limitations in sight. If he unretires, the Raiders could be in contention to sign him. Las Vegas drafted Carr in the second round in 2014. He played for the franchise for nine years before signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2023.
Since Carr signed a four-year deal with the Saints, they reportedly have full control of his situation should he decide to return to the NFL. It will also be interesting to see if the Raiders strike a deal with New Orleans for him.
Fernando Mendoza led Indiana to national championship success in 2025 season
Fernando Mendoza led Indiana to the national championship in the 2025 season.
The Hoosiers (16-0, 9-0 Big Ten) had an undefeated campaign, with Mendoza recording 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions and seven rushing touchdowns.
He also won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Indiana player to achieve the feat.
Edited by Arnold
