The wait for Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, is finally coming to an end as the Los Angeles Rams and their first-round pick continue to negotiate the terms of his rookie contract. With the Las Vegas Raiders signing Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick, to a four-year, $57.2 million deal, the spotlight is now firmly on Simpson, who is reportedly holding out for a signing bonus tied to the 2024 quarterback payment convention.
The Rams' prolonged negotiation with Simpson may be a sign of things to come, especially with the team not usually making first-round picks. As per Blaine Grisak's interview with Joel Corry of CBS Sports, Simpson's camp is likely insisting that the Rams extend the 2024 quarterback payment convention to him since he was drafted one slot lower than Nix.
The wait for Simpson's contract to be finalized is taking a toll on the team's preparations for the upcoming season. The Rams report to camp on Saturday, but it remains unclear whether Simpson will be joining his teammates. With the rookie pay scale in place, Simpson's contract will likely be fully guaranteed, but the details of the deal are still up in the air.
Meanwhile, the other two unsigned rookies in the NFL, quarterback Drew Allar and edge rusher Gabe Jacas, are also waiting for their contracts to be finalized. While the Raiders' signing of Mendoza has brought some much-needed clarity to the situation, the uncertainty surrounding Simpson's contract continues to dominate the headlines.
As the Rams and Simpson's camp continue to work on the contract language, the 13th overall pick remains a key player in the team's plans for the season. With the regular season just around the corner, the clock is ticking for the Rams to finalize Simpson's contract and get their first-round pick on the field.
The Rams' decision to extend the 2024 quarterback payment convention to Simpson may have significant implications for the team's salary cap in the future. As Corry pointed out, nearly every team requires offsets with salary guarantees for draft picks, including those selected in the top 10, except for the Jaguars and Rams.
The situation surrounding Simpson's contract is a reminder of the complexities involved in the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. With the rookie pay scale in place, teams are looking for ways to structure contracts that meet the requirements of the CBA while also keeping costs under control.
As the Los Angeles Rams prepare to report to camp on Saturday, the fate of Ty Simpson's contract remains a major uncertainty. Will he be joining his teammates, or will the contract negotiations continue to drag on? Only time will tell.
Source: Yahoo Sports