Denver Broncos' Tyler Onyedim Joins Trend Impacting Rookie Contracts

The Denver Broncos made their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft in the third round, choosing Tyler Onyedim from Texas A&M with the 66th overall pick. This decision followed a trade with the Buffalo Bills that allowed the Broncos to move out of the second round. Onyedim is expected to be a key player among a group of young defensive linemen stepping up to fill the void left by John Franklin-Myers, who departed the team in free agency. However, Onyedim is still awaiting the signing of his rookie contract.

While most draft picks have signed their deals, a notable trend has emerged among the first six players taken in the third round and the first seven in the fourth round, including Onyedim. According to Michael David Smith from Pro Football Talk, these players are leveraging their negotiations to secure more lucrative contracts. This push for better terms can be traced back to last season, when the Cleveland Browns granted second-round pick Carson Schwesinger a fully guaranteed rookie contract, setting a precedent that was further solidified by the New Orleans Saints with Tyler Shough.

This year, the players' union appears to be advocating for similar contract provisions for those drafted in the later rounds. A collective approach is being taken by these 13 rookies, who are likely following the guidance of their agents to maximize their earnings. While it’s understandable for players to seek the best possible deal, there are concerns about how this strategy might affect their nascent relationships with their new teams.

Both Schwesinger and Shough have found success in their respective roles, but there’s a risk that this trend could lead to complications for some players in the future. For Onyedim, signing a contract is important as he joins one of the league's top defenses. Should he struggle in training camp and fall behind competitors like Sai'vion Jones or Eyioma Uwazurike, the scrutiny on his contract negotiations could intensify.

While players have every right to pursue favorable contracts, the potential consequences of this strategy may place them in a precarious position with their teams.