Analysis of Las Vegas Raiders Roster Changes and NFL Contract Trends

May 15, 2026, 22:30
JapanSports

Introduction

The Las Vegas Raiders have started a team rebuild focused on the arrival of quarterback Fernando Mendoza. At the same time, the NFL is seeing important changes in rookie contract guarantees and the inclusion of international players.

Main Body

The Raiders' new strategy is based on selecting Fernando Mendoza as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. To help this transition, the team has brought in veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and signed three of Mendoza's former teammates from Indiana University as undrafted free agents. Their 2026 season begins on September 13 against the Miami Dolphins, followed by difficult games against the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Klint Kubiak emphasized that he prefers a slow introduction for the rookie, although the early schedule provides several low-pressure opportunities for Mendoza to earn the starting role. Meanwhile, the NFL is experiencing a shift in how contracts are handled. The Atlanta Falcons signed cornerback Avieon Terrell, the 48th pick, to a fully guaranteed rookie contract, which is a new record for a player drafted that late. Consequently, agents are expected to ask for similar guarantees for other second-round players. Furthermore, the league's International Player Pathway (IPP) program reached a milestone when the Raiders signed Kansei Matsuzawa. Matsuzawa, from Japan, moved from a non-traditional sports background to become a top college kicker at the University of Hawaii before joining the pros. Some teams are facing more instability, such as the Indianapolis Colts. The organization has tried to trade quarterback Anthony Richardson after several injuries and the rise of Daniel Jones as the starter. However, the trade market remains quiet, even though Richardson continues to train during the offseason. Similarly, the Houston Texans have delayed a long-term contract for C.J. Stroud. Instead, they are prioritizing defensive players like Will Anderson Jr. and Azeez Al-Shaair, despite Stroud's excellent performance compared to other 2023 rookies.

Conclusion

In summary, the NFL is currently defined by the Raiders' total rebuild, a growing trend of guaranteed contracts for rookies, and the expansion of the league's global talent search.

Learning

The Magic of 'Connectors' (The B2 Secret)

An A2 student says: "The Raiders signed a player. He is from Japan."

A B2 student says: "The Raiders signed Kansei Matsuzawa, who moved from Japan to become a top kicker."

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using short, choppy sentences. You need to 'glue' your ideas together using Connectors. Look at these three patterns from the text:

1. The 'Result' Glue: Consequently

In the article, we see: "...a new record for a player drafted that late. Consequently, agents are expected to ask for similar guarantees."

Instead of always using "So," use Consequently or Therefore. It makes your English sound professional and academic. It tells the reader: "Because A happened, B is the logical result."

2. The 'Adding' Glue: Furthermore

Instead of repeating "And... and... and...", the text uses Furthermore.

Example: "The NFL is changing contracts. Furthermore, the league is expanding globally."

Use this when you have already made one point and you want to add a second, stronger point to support your argument.

3. The 'Contrast' Glue: Despite / Although

A2 students use "But." B2 students use Despite and Although to create complex sentences.

  • Although + [Subject + Verb]: "Although the early schedule provides opportunities..."
  • Despite + [Noun/Gerund]: "...despite Stroud's excellent performance."

Pro Tip: "Despite" is like a wall. You cannot put a full sentence immediately after it without using a noun. You don't say "Despite he played well"; you say "Despite his great play."

Vocabulary Upgrade: The 'Change' Spectrum Stop using the word 'change' for everything. The text uses these B2-level alternatives:

  • Shift: A change in direction or focus ("a shift in how contracts are handled").
  • Transition: The process of changing from one state to another ("To help this transition").
  • Rebuild: Starting over to make something better ("a team rebuild").

Vocabulary Learning

rebuild (v.)
to build again or reorganize
Example:The team is in a rebuild after losing key players.
arrival (n.)
the act of coming to a place
Example:The arrival of the new quarterback excited the fans.
rookie (n.)
a new player, especially in a sport
Example:The rookie has shown great promise during training.
guarantee (n.)
a promise that something will happen or be provided
Example:The contract includes a guarantee of a minimum salary.
international (adj.)
relating to more than one country
Example:He signed an international player from Japan.
strategy (n.)
a plan for achieving a goal
Example:The team's strategy focuses on strong defense.
transition (n.)
the process of changing from one state to another
Example:The transition to a new coach was smooth.
veteran (adj.)
having a lot of experience in a particular field
Example:The veteran quarterback brought leadership.
undrafted (adj.)
not selected in a draft
Example:He was an undrafted free agent.
schedule (n.)
a plan of events or activities
Example:The schedule is packed with tough games.
opportunity (n.)
a chance to do something
Example:The rookie received many opportunities to play.
starting (adj.)
first in line or chosen to play
Example:He earned the starting role in the first game.
shift (n.)
a change in situation or condition
Example:There was a shift in how contracts are handled.
contract (n.)
a formal agreement between parties
Example:He signed a new contract with the team.
cornerback (n.)
a defensive position in American football
Example:The cornerback made a spectacular interception.
record (n.)
an achievement that is documented as the best or highest
Example:He set a new record for tackles.
agent (n.)
a representative who negotiates on behalf of someone
Example:The agent negotiated the player's salary.
milestone (n.)
an important event or achievement in a process
Example:Signing the player was a milestone for the program.
background (n.)
the circumstances or experiences that form a person's history
Example:She has a background in engineering.
kicker (n.)
a player who kicks the ball in American football
Example:The kicker scored the winning field goal.
instability (n.)
lack of stability or consistency
Example:The team's instability led to a poor record.
injury (n.)
harm or damage to a body part
Example:The injury kept him out for weeks.
trade (n.)
the exchange of players between teams
Example:The trade sent the quarterback to another team.
market (n.)
the environment for buying and selling
Example:The trade market was quiet this season.
offseason (n.)
the period between sports seasons when no games are played
Example:He trained hard during the offseason.
long-term (adj.)
lasting for a long period of time
Example:They signed a long-term contract.
defensive (adj.)
relating to defense or protection
Example:The defensive lineup was strong.
performance (n.)
how well someone does a task or activity
Example:Her performance earned her a contract.
global (adj.)
worldwide or involving many countries
Example:The league has a global fan base.
talent (n.)
special skill or ability in a particular area
Example:The team seeks fresh talent.
search (n.)
the act of looking for something
Example:The search for new players continues.