Raiders Still Waiting on Two 2026 Draftees as Training Camp Nears

Why Two Signings Are Delayed

The Las Vegas Raiders begin their rookies’ reporting period in just 15 days, but two members of the 2026 draft class have yet to put pen to paper. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the franchise’s No. 1 overall pick, and fourth‑round cornerback Jermod McCoy are the unsigned players on the roster. Both are part of a small group of fewer than ten unsigned selections league‑wide, with the Raiders accounting for two of them. For now, the holdout does not appear to be a major issue, but the clock is ticking.

Who’s Left on the Sidelines?

Beyond the Raiders, only one other first‑round pick remains unsigned: Ty Simpson, a quarterback selected 13th overall by the Los Angeles Rams. Both Mendoza and Simpson share the same position, which has added fuel to media speculation about contract language. Some reporters suggest guarantee payout timing, offset clauses, and void‑after‑injury provisions could be the sticking points. The uncertainty around McCoy may be tied to his injury history, as the Tennessee product fell from first‑round expectations after health concerns.

The Bigger Picture on Draft Holdouts

Draft holdouts have become far less common since the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, making the current situation a rarity. When they do happen, the delays are usually resolved before training camp opens, as teams and players work out the fine details. The Raiders have a July 29 deadline for the full squad to start camp, giving them a narrow window to finalize contracts. If both Mendoza and McCoy are still unsigned by that week, the dynamic could shift from a minor hiccup to a noticeable distraction.

What Happens Next for Las Vegas?

Team officials are expected to wrap up negotiations in time for the July 29 start, ensuring the roster is complete for the first practices. The NFL’s recent trend of swift signings suggests the Raiders will likely avoid any major disruption. However, any lingering issues could affect depth charts and early camp chemistry, especially at the quarterback and cornerback positions. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see if the Raiders can resolve the paperwork quickly enough to stay fully competitive from day one.