Ty Simpson's signing delay shouldn't concern Rams fans (for now)

The 2026 NFL Draft is now two months past, so why hasn't Ty Simpson signed his contract? For that matter, only Simpson and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, remain unsigned. Is this some form of conspiracy?

The honest answer is less dramatic. They remain unsigned because it comes down to who blinks first. This is all about Round 1 rookie quarterbacks. Therein lies the rub and the answer. Neither rookie wants to be the one to blink, as the first contract signed becomes a template for the other.

The NFL has set the overall contract value for drafted rookies. Simpson is expected to sign a four-year deal worth over $25 million. As a first-round pick, he will also have a fifth-year team option. There is, however, still plenty of wiggle room within those terms. How much money is standard salary, and how much is upfront cash known as a signing bonus?

Each agreed-to nuance from the previous year becomes next year's starting point for negotiations.

Simpson will sign eventually, but the sooner the better

This is not, of course, a question of whether Simpson will sign. It carries nothing of an actual holdout's weighty implications. Rather, neither quarterback's agent wants to ink a deal that may leave favorable terms on the table.

Simpson understands that Los Angeles is ideally suited to prepare him for a long and successful career. His agent isn't to sour that opportunity.

Simpson also knows that his job is practicing on the football field and learning the playbook. As agents and executives sat down at the negotiating table, Simpson earnestly participated during OTAs. With no contact allowed, injury risk is at a bare minimum. The true test comes when the pads go on, when speed and intensity accelerates. By then, Simpson's contract should be sorted out.

This is not a symbolic gesture of any real significance. This is simply two rookies trying to squeeze their moment to leverage the best contract possible. As long as Simpson partakes in team activities, all's well. It will only become a problem if a deal isn't done by training camp and Simpson decides to sit out until it is.

That would not be a prudent approach for a rookie with limited experience even in college (only one year as a starter). Obviously, the Rams would prefer to avoid such a stalemate, too. In the end, one side may need to concede the battle to win the bigger picture.

As always, thanks for reading.

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