ラスベガス・レイダースは、2026年シーズンに向けてドラフト全体1位指名のフェルナンド・メンドーサを育成するため、ベテランQBのカーク・カズンズと1年総額1130万ドルの契約を締結した。
キャリア14年目のカズンズは、若きQBへのサポートを表明しつつ、先発の座を争う意向を明確にした。同選手はNFLネットワークに対し、メンドーサは素晴らしい補強であり、最もふさわしい選手がプレーすべきだと語った。また、その結果として自身が第1週のマイアミ・ドルフィンズ戦で先発することになっても何の問題もないと述べている。
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft's first round, skipped the Pittsburgh event to celebrate in Miami with family amid his mother's battle with multiple sclerosis. The Heisman winner, who led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and national title, now faces immense pressure to revive a franchise with a history of draft woes.
One week after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins voiced confidence in competing for the starting role despite the team's plans to select Indiana's Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. On his first official day, Cousins praised Mendoza after a draft visit and film session together, while new coach Klint Kubiak reiterated his preference for rookies to learn behind veterans.
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Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick Fernando Mendoza has not signed his rookie contract. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and top overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft is one of two unsigned first-round players. Negotiations center on the payment schedule for his signing bonus.
With the 2026 NFL Draft two weeks away in Pittsburgh, teams are already turning attention to the 2027 quarterback prospects, according to draft analyst Dane Brugler. Brugler noted frequent discussions about next year's class during conversations with scouts since the Combine. The move highlights disappointment in the current year's quarterbacks.