The NFL's top four quarterbacks from the 2026 draft are unsigned, and it's all about the money. The Las Vegas Raiders are taking a cautious approach with No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, likely starting Kirk Cousins while Mendoza learns the ropes. The Los Angeles Rams drafted Simpson, who'll compete for the backup role behind MVP Stafford. Beck and Allar are in quarterback competitions with the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively.
The holdup? Signing bonuses. Mendoza's camp wants a single lump sum, a trend among recent No. 1 picks. The Raiders, however, prefer installment payments, sticking to their standard practice. This disagreement could be a tactic, with Mendoza and Simpson waiting for each other to sign, leveraging their guaranteed first-round status. The agents involved, part of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), might be playing a waiting game, too.
This situation raises questions about the power dynamics in rookie contracts. Quarterbacks, especially top picks, have more negotiating leverage. The signing bonus, guaranteed money, and offset language are all negotiable. Mendoza's camp is likely holding out for a better deal, while the Raiders stick to their guns. It's a delicate balance, and the outcome could impact the entire league's approach to rookie contracts.
As training camps begin, the unsigned quarterbacks' fates hang in the balance. Will Mendoza's single lump sum demand be met? Will Simpson, Beck, and Allar's competition be affected? The NFL world watches, curious about the implications for the league's future quarterback landscape.
