NFL analyst predicts Tom Brady will pass on Fernando Mendoza to sign QB tipped to unretire

Feb 10, 2026 - 16:45

The Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock.

With the 2025 NFL season officially over, all eyes turn to the 2026 NFL Draft where the Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 04: Las Vegas Raiders fans Ezra Kheel (L) and his brother Alexandros Kheel of Nevada hold up a sign referencing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy recipient, in the second quarter of the Raiders’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in […] — Raiders fans have made it clear who they want under center in 2026

They may have posted the worst regular season record in the league (3-14), but the Raiders have now been provided with a prime opportunity to select a franchise-altering quarterback for the future.

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is projected to be the first player taken off the board after spearheading the Indiana Hoosiers to a 16-0 undefeated season and won the NCAA College Football Playoff National Championship.

That decision, though, ultimately lies with the Raiders ownership group, which includes all-time great quarterback Tom Brady.

However, with reports emerging on Super Bowl Sunday that former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is tempting coming out of retirement, a possible reunion between the two parties could be on the cards.

Whether that is at the cost of losing the rights to draft Mendoza, though, is uncertain with Raiders insider Nick Walters predicting that Brady and co could trade away the No. 1 overall pick by the time April rolls around.

“Derek Carr reportedly may unretire,” Walt wrote on Sunday.

“Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak and QB coach Andrew Janocko, expected to be the #Raiders’ next HC and OC, coached Carr with the Saints last season.

In the wild scenario Las Vegas passes on Fernando Mendoza and trades the No. 1 pick for a haul… ”

Fans react to the potential return of a legend

Having spent nine of his 11 years in the NFL before retiring in 2024 with the Raiders, Carr is seen as a somewhat of a franchise legend.

Having made the tough decision to retire due to a shoulder injury, the 34-year-old is now ‘medically cleared’ to return, and even received calls from teams around the league in 2025 when injuries to quarterbacks mounted up.

Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers raises the National Championship Trophy after Indiana defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship — Mendoza led the Hoosiers to the National Championship

Former NFL QB Derek Carr could come out of retirement for 2026

Although he is held in high regards by the fans despite spending the final two years of his career with the New Orleans Saints, the general consensus appears to be that they are open to bringing Carr back, but NOT at the expense of snubbing Mendoza on draft night.

Instead, the majority appear to favor the idea of bringing him back in a mentorship role for the 22-year-old and to help aid his transition into the NFL.

“I would actually love to see Carr back but they are not passing on Mendoza. Carr would be a great bridge and could retire where he belongs, wearing SILVER AND BLACK,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“I can only see it happening with Carr as a mentor and backup to Mendoza. And I’d be ok with that,” a second user commented.

“Tom Brady not passing on Mendoza for Carr!,” a third added.

“As much as I love Carr, I’d be so freaking disappointed if we started the season with Carr as qb1 and O’Connell at qb2 and Mendoza on another team,” a fourth fan wrote.

Geno Smith #7 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium — It was nothing short of a disaster for Geno Smith under center for the Raiders in 2025

One fan even toyed with the potential conspiracy theory that the Raiders could forgo selecting Mendoza, and tank again for Texas Longhorns star Arch Manning in 2027.

“That would be the wildest scenario where they f*** up their future… although they could tank for No.1 pickup in 2027 for Arch…,” the fan wrote.

Entering a new era under Kubiak

The Raiders appointed Pete Carroll back at the start of 2025, but the 74-year-old was a one-and-done as Brady and co made him a victim of the NFL’s ‘Black Monday’.

Quarterback Geno Smith is also expected to have played his final down in the Black and Silver after leading the league in interceptions last season.

Minutes after the Seattle Seahawks clinched Super Bowl LX glory, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak announced that he would be the next head coach of the Raiders.

“You guys know I’m going to Las Vegas,” Kubiak said from the Levi’s Stadium field. “I’m fired up about it.”

Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak of the Seattle Seahawks speaks to the media ahead of Super Bowl LX at the San Jose Convention Center on February 04, 2026 in San Jose, California. — Klint Kubiak won a Super Bowl as the Seahawks OC

Carr and Kubiak worked together in 2024 in New Orleans

When asked to confirm if he was going, Kubiak added: “Hell yeah, I’m going.”

Less than 24 hours later, he was in Vegas’ facility ready to get to work.

“It’s a blessing. It’s really exciting,” Kubiak said.

“It’s an exciting day for my family. I’m just soaking it all in right now. We’ve got a lot of work to do.

Of course, Kubiak and Carr worked together when he was the OC in New Orleans, adding yet more fuel to the fire of a possible reunion in the Sin City.

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