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Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Carson Beck and Drew Allar were the top four quarterbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. As rookies continue to report to training camps across the NFL, all four quarterbacks remain unsigned.
Each quarterback is in a different situation. The Las Vegas Raiders appear poised to take a cautious approach with Mendoza this season. The Raiders are likely to start Kirk Cousins at quarterback while Mendoza watches and learns. Simpson was drafted to a loaded Los Angeles Rams roster and will compete for the team’s backup QB job behind reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford. Beck is in the midst of a quarterback competition in the desert. Beck, Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew are in a battle to be QB1 for the Arizona Cardinals. In Pittsburgh, Allar is in competition for a backup job behind Aaron Rodgers.
Why top four quarterbacks are unsigned?
It’s not a huge surprise Mendoza, Simpson, Beck and Allar are unsigned. Quarterback contracts are typically a little more complex, even though some rookie contracts are slotted and predetermined.
Mendoza (pick No. 1) has a contract value of $57. 2 million. Simpson’s (pick no. 13) contract is worth $25.4 million. Beck (pick No. 65) has a contract valued at $7.4 million. Allar (pick No. 76) is set to earn $7.1, according to Over The Cap.
Quarterbacks tend to have more leverage to negotiate certain terms in their rookie contracts. Signing bonus cash flow, guaranteed money details and offset language are negotiable terms in rookie contracts.
Fernando Mendoza contract negotiation details
Mendoza’s signing bonus is what’s stalled the quarterback from signing his rookie deal with the Raiders, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to discuss such deals.
According to Joel Corry of CBS Sports, Mendoza’s side wants his signing bonus payment to be in a single lump sum. Single lump sum payments have become costumery for No. 1 overall picks. The last No. 1 pick that didn’t receive their signing bonus in a single lump sum payment was Kyler Murray when he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft.
A person familiar with the Raiders process told USA TODAY Sports the Raiders’ standard practice is paying signing bonuses in instalments. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The Raiders prefer not to break precedent. However, Mendoza’s side is opposed to starting a new precedent because No. 1 picks have had their signing bonus payment in a single lump sum in recent years.
The top four quarterbacks could be waiting for each other to sign as a leverage tactic. Mendoza and Simpson are first-round picks. First-round picks have had their contracts guaranteed in recent years. It’s worth noting, Simpson, Beck and Allar are represented by agents part of the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) while Mendoza is represented by an agent in Excel Sports Management.
“They are 100% waiting on Mendoza. Every other team is waiting to see what they do,” a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY. They spoke on condition of anonymity cause of the sensitivity of the matter. “That’s how it goes.”
When do Cardinals, Raiders, Rams and Steelers rookies report to training camp?
Cardinals rookies report to training camp on July 22, Raiders rookies report to training camp on July 23, Rams rookies report to training camp on July 25 and Steelers rookies report to training camp on July 28.
Can unsigned rookies participate in training camp?
Unsigned rookies aren’t permitted to participate in training camp.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Fernando Mendoza, Raiders at odds over signing bonus. QB remains unsigned
