As NFL training camps draw closer, one storyline continues to generate discussion around the league: why are top rookie quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson still unsigned?
While contract delays involving first-round picks can create speculation, the situation surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders’ No. 1 overall selection appears to be more procedural than problematic.
Former NFL scout Daniel Kelly recently questioned Mendoza’s early offseason development and suggested the Raiders may be taking a cautious approach with the rookie quarterback.
“Some of the things I hear and read coming out of Raiders OTAs make Mendoza sound like a joke,” Kelly wrote on social media. “They make him sound like some sort of raw developmental project.”
Kelly pointed to reports indicating Mendoza spent much of the offseason working with the second and third units while continuing to adjust to taking snaps under center after operating primarily out of the shotgun formation during his collegiate career. However, many around the league view that transition as a normal part of the learning process rather than a cause for concern.
Learning a New System
Mendoza enters the NFL after a historic final season at Indiana, where he captured the Heisman Trophy and led the Hoosiers to a national championship. The Raiders selected him with the first overall pick knowing there would be an adjustment period.
New head coach Klint Kubiak’s offense requires quarterbacks to operate from under center, shotgun, and pistol formations. That versatility differs significantly from what Mendoza was asked to do in college.
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, both Kubiak and offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko have repeatedly praised Mendoza’s work ethic and commitment to learning the system. The organization has consistently emphasized patience while allowing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to handle first-team duties heading into training camp.
Contract Structure Appears to Be the Real Issue
According to salary cap expert Joel Corry, the delay has little to do with football and much more to do with contract language. Appearing on Locked On Raiders, Corry explained that the sticking point centers around how Mendoza’s signing bonus will be paid.
Since Joe Burrow entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2020, top selections have generally received their signing bonuses in a lump-sum payment. The Raiders, however, have historically structured first-round signing bonuses differently.
Recent first-round selections have received:
- 77.5% of the signing bonus shortly after signing
- 12.5% in September
- 10% in October
Mendoza’s projected signing bonus is estimated at approximately $38.1 million, making the payment structure a significant negotiating point. By all indications, both sides continue to work toward an agreement.
No Signs of a Holdout
Perhaps the most important detail is that Mendoza has continued participating in team activities despite not having a signed contract. Rather than staging a holdout or creating distractions, the rookie quarterback has remained engaged throughout the offseason program.
That commitment reflects the mindset that attracted the Raiders to Mendoza throughout the draft process. From owner Mark Davis to minority owner Tom Brady, the organization has repeatedly stressed its belief that Mendoza represents the future of the franchise.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
