Albert Breer’s Takeaways: With Fernando Mendoza Signed, the Raiders’ Positive Momentum Continues

Key Points:

• The Las Vegas Raiders have signed all 257 draft picks, including first overall pick QB Fernando Mendoza to a four-year, $57.27 million contract, marking a key step in building momentum under new coach Klint Kubiak and GM John Spytek amid significant roster turnover.
• Rookie contract values have grown with the NFL salary cap, as Mendoza's deal averages $14.32 million per year, surpassing Sam Bradford's 2010 rookie deal on a per-year basis, reflecting the league's economic growth rather than a return to past rookie pay scales.
• San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is recovering from a serious car accident with concussion symptoms limiting his training camp involvement; assistant head coach Chris Foerster is positioned to lead in his absence, though Shanahan's detailed role in team operations presents challenges.
• Contract negotiations are progressing positively for top cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez (Patriots) and Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks), both practicing during training camp with potential record-breaking deals anticipated, signaling an upward trend in the cornerback market.
• The NFL faces issues including the suspension of Cardinals scouting director Ryan Gold for leaking draft information, the tragic death of former player Jordan Devey with suspected CTE, and ongoing challenges with player injuries, such as Panthers' Nic Scourton's ACL tear and concerns about other key players' health.