Chairshot NFL News Report (7/23/2026): Fernando Mendoza Remains Unsigned, Training Camps Open and Chiefs Reveal New Stadium

Fernando Mendoza remains unsigned as Raiders rookies report, Jacoby Brissett arrives at Cardinals camp, Seattle manages injuries and more.

The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft may miss the beginning of Las Vegas Raiders training camp because of a disagreement over the payment schedule for his signing bonus.

Elsewhere, Jacoby Brissett reported to Arizona despite his contract concerns, Carson Beck signed his rookie deal, Seattle received mixed injury news and Kansas City unveiled the first renderings of its future stadium.

It’s the Chairshot NFL News Report for July 23, 2026!

Fernando Mendoza and Raiders Remain Apart

Mendoza’s four-year, $57.2 million rookie contract is already determined by the NFL’s wage scale, but the quarterback and Raiders have not agreed on how his $38.11 million signing bonus will be paid.

Mendoza’s representatives reportedly want the entire bonus paid when he signs. Full upfront payment has become common for first overall selections since Cincinnati structured Joe Burrow’s rookie agreement that way in 2020.

Raiders rookies report Thursday, meaning Mendoza could immediately begin losing practice time. Veteran Kirk Cousins remains available to lead the offense while Mendoza learns the professional system, but the contract dispute creates an unnecessary obstacle for a franchise trying to build around its new quarterback.

Jacoby Brissett Reports as Carson Beck Signs

Brissett reported to Cardinals training camp despite continuing to seek a contract that better reflects his status as a potential starting quarterback. He skipped voluntary offseason activities but also reported for mandatory minicamp in June.

Arizona also completed a four-year, $7.4 million rookie agreement with third-round quarterback Carson Beck. Brissett, Beck and Gardner Minshew are expected to compete for roles in the Cardinals’ new offense under head coach Mike LaFleur.

The Cardinals and Panthers became the first teams to have their full rosters report because they will play in the Hall of Fame Game on August 6. Arizona’s quarterback competition should now proceed without Brissett’s contract concerns becoming a full training-camp holdout.

Seahawks Managing Multiple Injuries

Nick Emmanwori is expected to miss part of training camp after undergoing surgery on his right ankle. The safety has been placed on the physically unable to perform list but is currently expected to be available for Seattle’s Week 1 Super Bowl rematch against New England.

Running back Zach Charbonnet was also placed on the PUP list while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered during Seattle’s Divisional Round victory over San Francisco. Charbonnet rushed for 730 yards and led the Seahawks with 12 touchdowns last season.

Seattle can activate either player at any point during training camp. The concern becomes more significant only if they remain on PUP when the roster is reduced to 53 players, which would require them to miss at least four regular-season games.

Chiefs Reveal First Look at New Stadium

Kansas City released the initial concept renderings for its planned $3 billion enclosed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas.

The stadium is expected to open in 2031 with approximately 70,000 seats, a translucent enclosed roof and more than 20,000 parking spaces. The design attempts to preserve the shape and atmosphere associated with Arrowhead Stadium while providing the Chiefs with a modern, climate-controlled venue.

The enclosed design should allow the stadium to pursue events that were difficult to host at Arrowhead, including Final Fours, major concerts and potentially a Super Bowl. The Chiefs will attempt to preserve their established tailgating culture while moving the franchise into a significantly different type of home.

Deebo Samuel Believes He Has Several Productive Years Left

Samuel remains unsigned as training camps begin, but the veteran receiver believes his career is far from over.

The 30-year-old said he feels he has at least three or four productive seasons remaining and is prepared to play when an opportunity arrives. Samuel caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns during his only season with Washington.

His physical style and recent decline may prevent him from receiving a major long-term contract, but injuries during training camp could quickly create a market. A contender may eventually view Samuel as a versatile complementary player rather than asking him to carry an offense.

NFL Transactions — July 22, 2026

• Arizona Cardinals signed quarterback Carson Beck to his four-year rookie contract
• Arizona Cardinals signed defensive lineman Coziah Izzard
• Arizona Cardinals placed defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor on injured reserve
• Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced his medical retirement
• Carolina Panthers placed Ikem Ekwonu and Tershawn Wharton on the physically unable to perform list
• Carolina Panthers placed Taylor Moton, Bobby Brown III and Jaycee Horn on the non-football injury or illness list
• Carolina Panthers waived cornerback Jaylon Guilbeau with an injury designation
• Las Vegas Raiders signed cornerback Jermod McCoy to his rookie contract
• New England Patriots signed tight end Mitch Van Vooren and linebacker Riley Wilson
• New England Patriots released fullback Brock Lampe
• Seattle Seahawks signed defensive back Brandon Johnson
• Seattle Seahawks released tight end Harrison Bryant with an injury waiver
• Seattle Seahawks placed running back Zach Charbonnet on the physically unable to perform list

Mendoza’s disagreement involves contract structure rather than total compensation, but every missed practice matters for a rookie quarterback expected to become the face of a franchise. The Raiders can rely on Cousins temporarily, yet their long-term plan begins only when Mendoza is signed and practicing.

Arizona avoided a more disruptive situation when Brissett reported. His contract remains unresolved, but the Cardinals can now evaluate their quarterbacks on the field rather than allowing the entire competition to become a financial story.

Seattle’s injuries provide the clearest reminder of how quickly championship depth can be tested. The Seahawks appear optimistic about Emmanwori, but Charbonnet’s recovery could shape how much responsibility the team places on its young running backs.