Fernando Mendoza has become the center of one of the biggest draft debates in the NFL, even months before the draft arrives.

The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Many people around the league believe the Raiders plan to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. After his record-setting season, that idea feels almost certain.

Mendoza led Indiana to an undefeated season. He completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards. He threw 41 touchdowns with just six interceptions. Scouts like his calm presence and control of the offense. The Raiders see him as a long-term answer at quarterback.

Now, trade rumors have shaken things up. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that at least one NFL executive expects the Baltimore Ravens to consider trading Lamar Jackson. Fowler also mentioned the Raiders as a possible team to watch. That rumor quickly got enough attention across the league.

One NFL evaluator told Fowler, “It just seems like there’s been some consternation there with Lamar and the Ravens, and this would be the ultimate Mark Davis move, I’m not even convinced everybody with Vegas would be on board with it but it would instantly solve their quarterback problems.”

The source also said the idea fits owner Mark Davis. The report suggested a deal built around the No. 1 pick, Mendoza’s rights, and extra 2027 picks.

Fans Push Back On Lamar Jackson Idea

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (Peter Casey-Imagn Images)
Fans reacted fast. Many rejected the idea of sending Mendoza and future picks to Baltimore. They focused on timing, money, and roster depth.

“That’s a bad deal for the Raiders,” one fan wrote online.

Another fan stressed patience. “Raiders aren’t on same timeline as Lamar and a cost controlled QB is the best asset in football,” the fan said.

Others worried about the roster around Jackson. “Lamar Jackson is not going to single handedly turn that waste of a franchise around,” another fan argued. “If LJ comes in there than that line and lack of skill players will end his career.”

Fernando Mendoza stayed calm amid the noise. He spoke on Friday on NBC’s “TODAY” show. Co-host Carson Daly asked him about Las Vegas. Mendoza showed respect without locking himself to one city.

“The Raiders have a great culture, have a great coaching staff, great ownership group,” Mendoza said. “Those are legit guys. I’d be happy to end anywhere.”

The Raiders now have a clear choice. They can draft a young quarterback who fits a new build-up. They can also chase a proven star who owns two MVP awards.

Draft night will bring the final answer. Until then, Fernando Mendoza remains the name that drives every argument.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.

From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.