Chairshot NFL News Report (7/24/2026): Fernando Mendoza Signs, Panthers Lose Nic Scourton

Fernando Mendoza signs his rookie contract, Nic Scourton suffers a torn ACL, Tyreek Hill discusses his recovery and NFL camps open.

Fernando Mendoza signed his rookie contract as Las Vegas opened training camp, ending the final unresolved deal involving the Raiders’ 2026 draft class.

Elsewhere, Carolina suffered a devastating injury during its first practice, Tyreek Hill acknowledged that his surgically repaired leg still lacks power, Malik Nabers avoided the PUP list and Aaron Donald continues considering an NFL return.

Fernando Mendoza Signs With Raiders

The Raiders officially signed the first overall selection on the day their rookies reported for training camp. Mendoza’s four-year contract is worth approximately $57.3 million, is fully guaranteed and includes the standard fifth-year team option.

The agreement means all ten members of Las Vegas’ draft class are now under contract. Mendoza can begin learning Klint Kubiak’s offense without a holdout interrupting his first professional training camp.

The Raiders have not promised Mendoza the Week 1 job. Kirk Cousins gives the organization the ability to develop its rookie patiently, but the first overall pick will still receive every opportunity to prove he is ready sooner than expected.

Nic Scourton Suffers Torn ACL

Scourton suffered a right knee injury during Carolina’s first training-camp practice and was carted from the field as teammates gathered around him.

Initial testing indicated that Scourton tore his ACL. He will seek a second opinion, but surgery is expected if the diagnosis is confirmed. The 2025 second-round pick recorded 47 tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble during his rookie season.

Carolina had expected Scourton to start opposite free-agent addition Jaelan Phillips. His likely season-ending injury leaves the Panthers searching for another edge defender before most of the league has even completed its first practice.

Tyreek Hill Still Lacks Power in Repaired Leg

Hill said he still has “no power” in his left leg approximately ten months after suffering a dislocated knee and torn ACL.

The free-agent receiver underwent two operations and continues working through running, jumping, pool exercises and strength training. He declined to reveal a return timetable but said his recovery is progressing well.

Hill also revealed that doctors initially warned him that he might never walk again. The fact that he is already running is encouraging, but regaining ordinary movement and recovering the explosiveness that defined his career are very different challenges.

The Dolphins released Hill in February, and the 32-year-old remains unsigned. His workout video serves as a reminder that he intends to return, but teams are unlikely to commit until they see evidence that his left leg can generate meaningful power.

Malik Nabers Avoids PUP List

The Giants did not place Nabers on the active/PUP list before training camp, giving the team more flexibility as he continues recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus.

Avoiding the designation does not mean Nabers will immediately participate fully. It allows him to join practice whenever the medical staff clears him rather than limiting him to rehabilitation work while he remains on PUP.

Nabers was limited to 18 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns last season after producing 109 catches for 1,204 yards as a rookie. His eventual return would restore the most dangerous weapon in New York’s passing game.

Aaron Donald Continues Considering Comeback

Sean McVay confirmed that Donald is seriously considering returning to the Rams but has not reached a final decision.

Donald has been retired for two seasons and wants to determine whether he can still perform at the standard he established during his career. McVay indicated that the Rams will allow him to complete that process without applying pressure or establishing a deadline.

A return would likely place Donald in a reduced rotational role rather than require him to play 50 snaps every week. Even 25 to 30 snaps from Donald alongside Myles Garrett could significantly change how opponents prepare for Los Angeles.

The Rams do not need Donald available for the opening of training camp. Any comeback would be designed to strengthen the team for a postseason run rather than prove that he can handle an entire regular-season workload.

Jacoby Brissett Practices During Contract Talks

Brissett participated in Arizona’s first practice despite seeking an adjustment to his contract.

The veteran quarterback skipped voluntary offseason activities but reported for mandatory work and training camp. Head coach Mike LaFleur said negotiations remain productive and confirmed that Brissett will not stage a hold-in by attending practice without participating.

Brissett is the presumed starter after passing for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season. Carson Beck and Gardner Minshew provide competition, but Arizona’s offense is currently structured around Brissett remaining QB1.

NFL Transactions — July 23, 2026

• Arizona Cardinals placed tight end Tip Reiman, offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., linebacker Josh Sweat and cornerback Garrett Williams on the active/PUP list
• Baltimore Ravens waived quarterback Diego Pavia
• Carolina Panthers signed tight end Caden Prieskorn
• Cleveland Browns placed defensive tackle Maliek Collins on the active/PUP list
• Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Fernando Mendoza to his four-year rookie contract
• Miami Dolphins placed cornerbacks Darrell Baker Jr. and Storm Duck on the active/PUP list
• New York Giants placed tight end Thomas Fidone II and defensive linemen Sam Roberts and Roy Robertson-Harris on the active/PUP list
• Tennessee Titans placed offensive tackle JC Latham and safety Amani Hooker on the active/PUP list
• Tennessee Titans signed offensive tackle Zach Thomas
• Tennessee Titans waived offensive tackle Ryan Hayes

Mendoza’s signing prevents a disagreement over contract structure from becoming the first story of his rookie season. The Raiders now get to focus on the more important decision: whether beginning with Cousins will help Mendoza or merely delay an inevitable transition.

Carolina received the brutal side of training camp immediately. Scourton was expected to take a major second-year step, and replacing a developing pass rusher in late July is considerably harder than filling an ordinary depth position.

Hill and Donald are both attempting versions of a comeback, but from very different circumstances. Donald must decide whether he still wants football after a successful retirement. Hill knows he wants to play and must determine whether his body will allow it.