Raiders GM Spytek Open to Trading No. 1 Pick

Las Vegas GM says he's always listening to potential trade offers for the top selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 4:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek says the team is open to trading the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, stating "I learned a long time ago, always listen. I'm always listening." While the Raiders are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top pick, Spytek's comments suggest the team could be swayed by the right trade offer, especially given the uncertainty around Mendoza's NFL potential.

Why it matters

The Raiders have several roster holes to fill, and trading the No. 1 pick could allow them to acquire multiple high draft selections or proven veteran players to address those needs. However, passing on Mendoza, who has expressed a desire to play in Las Vegas, could be risky if he develops into a franchise quarterback elsewhere.

The details

Spytek's comments come amid speculation that the Raiders may not be fully sold on Mendoza as the top overall pick. While Mendoza is widely projected to be the first quarterback taken, some analysts believe he is more of a "Jared Goff type" who could be overdrafted due to the lack of elite QB prospects in this class.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Fernando Mendoza

A quarterback prospect expected to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I learned a long time ago, always listen. I'm always listening.”

— John Spytek, General Manager (X)

“I'd be blessed and honored to play for the Raiders, or I'd be blessed to play for any team. Any NFL team that drafts me, I'd be ecstatic. I know at the draft, I'll probably shed a tear or two just because it's such a full-circle moment for me.”

— Fernando Mendoza (Fox Sports)

“Given how many holes the Raiders have and the comp for Mendoza seems to be that he's a Jared Goff type who's a little faster, but with a little worse arm — that can miss. That's [not what the quarterbacks in the NFL look like today]. That can miss.”

— Danny Parkins, Analyst (First Things First podcast via Fox Sports)

What’s next

The Raiders will continue to evaluate their options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, including potential trade offers for the No. 1 overall pick.

The takeaway

The Raiders' willingness to listen to trade offers for the top pick suggests they may not be fully committed to selecting Mendoza, despite his desire to play in Las Vegas. This could open the door for the team to potentially trade down and acquire additional assets to address other roster needs.