Broncos sign Tyler Onyedim as early third-round rookie deals restart

The Denver Broncos signed defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim to his rookie contract on Sunday, a deal that signaled movement among early third-round selections from the 2026 NFL Draft. Officials familiar with the agreement said the contract is worth $7.38 million over four years and includes a $1.8 million signing bonus.

The agreement is notable because it reflects teams’ current stance in negotiations for players taken near the top of the third round. Officials said Onyedim, the second player selected in the third round, did not receive any guaranteed base salary, with the guaranteed money limited to the signing bonus.

The signing came a few hours after the Las Vegas Raiders reached an agreement with defensive end Keyron Crawford, the third player taken in the same round. Together, the two deals suggested teams are steering negotiations back toward more standard rookie-contract structures after a slower-than-usual stretch of talks for early third-round picks.

Early third-round negotiations have drawn attention this year because they sit near the boundary where contract guarantees typically shift. For teams, maintaining a firm line on guarantees can help preserve cap and roster flexibility. For players and agents, even limited base-salary guarantees can provide protection if a player is released before the end of the contract.

What drove the slow pace for early third-round signings

Officials said the delays were driven in part by agents pushing for guaranteed base salaries for early third-round selections, a provision more commonly associated with higher draft positions. Teams, in turn, have largely held to the position that guaranteed money for third-round picks should be limited to signing bonuses.

With Denver and Las Vegas finalizing deals that do not include guaranteed base salary, remaining unsigned players may face increased pressure to accept similar terms as teams continue their offseason work. The timing can matter, as players without contracts may have limits on their participation in certain team activities.

Unsigned players and the next milestones on the calendar

Officials said the top third-round pick, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck, remained unsigned at the time of the Broncos’ deal. Also without agreements were the fourth, fifth and sixth picks of the third round: Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Markel Bell, Chicago Bears tight end Sam Roush and San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Romello Height.

More signings are expected in the coming weeks as clubs move closer to mandatory minicamps and finalize offseason rosters.