According to the scout, Mendoza has been positioned with the second and third teams in practice, with some reports indicating he’s still adapting to center snaps—a fundamental skill many quarterbacks master early in their development. Observers noted that he has shown flashes but is still learning to translate his college experiences to the pro level. The general consensus is that Mendoza is being handled with patience, allowing him time to acclimate to the complexities of an NFL offense and the faster-paced environment.
Mendoza entered the league with expectations of becoming a franchise quarterback in the near future, a factor that has amplified the attention on his contract status. There is widespread awareness that he was a top prospect throughout the pre-draft discussion, and teams drafted him with a long-term development plan in mind. Given this context, the delay in his signing has raised eyebrows among analysts and fans alike.
In practice reports, Mendoza participated in the second and third-team drills. Some of his attempts were deflected or incomplete, and, as noted by many experts, he continues to work on the transition from shotgun formation to snapping from center—a transition his college offensive system did not frequently demand.
On social media, some observers have suggested that both Mendoza and Simpson might be experiencing buyer’s remorse on the part of the teams, pointing to public impressions from OTAs as evidence. While such takes are speculative, they reflect the scrutiny quarterbacks face when teams invest heavily in their development paths and future roles.
Contract discussions for first-round picks often hinge on how signing bonuses are structured. Analysts have observed that some teams pay signing bonuses in installments rather than as a single lump sum, which can affect when a player sees the money. In this case, the teams’ approach to rookie bonus distributions is a key topic in the ongoing negotiations. Based on typical rookie wage scales and recent patterns, a substantial portion of the signing bonus is usually front-loaded, with the remainder distributed over the following weeks or months. With minicamps behind us, expectations are that both players will soon finalize their deals, barring any unforeseen complexities.
Ty Simpson’s situation is more nuanced. As a quarterback intended to eventually succeed a veteran starter, his contract discussions carry additional weight. Coaches and front offices must balance the desire to secure a stable financial promise with the risk-reward calculation of counting on a rookie to step into a high-pressure, game-ready role should the starter suffer an injury. Given Simpson’s college tenure and prior injuries, teams may seek to structure guarantees carefully to protect both the player and the franchise.
Speculation about Simpson’s readiness and the team’s confidence in him continues to surface, particularly regarding the depth chart and the plans for development behind the current starter. While some pundits question the immediacy of a significant financial commitment for a third-string or immediate backup quarterback, the overarching goal remains clear: ensure the player has a path to growth while maintaining roster flexibility and financial prudence.
Both Mendoza and Simpson have demonstrated a clear willingness to contribute, and their unsigned status has become a focal point of offseason discussions. The teams will weigh practical considerations—development timelines, injury risk, and long-term potential—against the economics of rookie contracts and signing bonuses. As the offseason progresses, it is expected that both players will reach agreement on terms that reflect their draft status, potential, and the organizations’ strategic needs for the upcoming season.
In the end, the unfolding contract negotiations for Mendoza and Simpson illustrate the intricate balance between talent evaluation, immediate roster needs, and financial structuring in modern NFL front-office decision-making. While fans await final terms, the emphasis for both players remains on continuing to develop, seize every opportunity in practice, and demonstrate readiness to contribute at the highest level when called upon.
