Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson Are Still Unsigned, And Every NFL Team Is Watching Why

Alright, you guys, can we talk about this? We're a solid seven weeks and change past the NFL Draft's first round, and listen up, because this is wild: 30 of the 32 first-round picks? They’ve locked in their deals. Signed, sealed, delivered, ready to roll. But guess who hasn't? Yep, you guessed it, the two quarterbacks taken in the first round: Fernando Mendoza, who went first overall, and Ty Simpson, picked 13th. Like, what in the Sam Darnold is going on here? This isn't just a minor blip, folks, it’s getting pretty glaring.

What's the Holdup, Really?

So, you remember back before the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement, right? Back then, the first overall pick sometimes signed a contract even before the draft even started! Wild times. But now? We’ve got a rookie wage scale. Contracts are basically slotted based on where you’re picked, so there isn’t a ton of wiggle room for negotiation. We're not talking about some massive debate over the base salary. The big things they hash out are usually cash flow, especially how that signing bonus gets paid out, plus the nitty-gritty on how guarantees can be voided, and if there's offset language on those guarantees. It's usually paperwork, not a standoff. So, why these two QBs? That’s the million-dollar question right now.

This Is Getting Glaring, Period

It's honestly unclear why Mendoza and Simpson haven't put pen to paper yet. Think about it: both these guys could have totally flexed their muscles by refusing to even show up for offseason programs until their deals were done. And frankly, yeah, every draft pick should probably take that stance. But holdouts? They’re super rare these days. Everyone wants to be in camp, learning the playbook, building chemistry. It's what you do, especially when you’re a top pick. They’ll probably sign before training camp kicks off, because let’s be real, you gotta be there. But still, no deal is actually done until it's done, right? And the fact that it's *only* the two first-round quarterbacks who are still holding out? That’s not just a little odd; it’s glaring, and you know every general manager in the league is watching this one.

What's Next?

This situation definitely needs to get sorted. Training camp isn't that far away, and these guys, especially a number one overall pick like Mendoza, need to be in the building learning the system. The clock is ticking, and the NFL is waiting to see when these two QBs finally make it official.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.