Before 2011, first-round NFL draft picks rarely finalized their rookie contracts before the Fourth of July. Today, many complete negotiations well before Memorial Day.
On Friday, the Tennessee Titans announced that wide receiver Carnell Tate, the fourth overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, has agreed to terms on his slotted four-year rookie deal. Like all first-round picks, the contract is fully guaranteed.
The agreement includes a total value of $51,134,914, with a signing bonus of $33,649,028.
First-round contract values are primarily determined by draft position, leaving little room for negotiation. This structure has led to a surge in early contract signings among rookie players.
Tate's deal puts the second, third, and fourth overall picks from the 2026 draft under contract. These include:
- David Bailey (Jets edge rusher, pick No. 2)
- Jeremiyah Love (Cardinals running back, pick No. 3)
- Carnell Tate (Titans wide receiver, pick No. 4)
As of now, the first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza (Raiders quarterback), has not yet signed his rookie contract.
Related articles
Mike Tomlin to Call Ravens vs. Falcons on NBC in Week 5: Lamar Jackson Focus
During 19 years with the Steelers, coach Mike Tomlin worked 114 games against teams from the AFC North. In his fifth game as an analyst on NBC's Footb...
NFL Grants Rams Extra Recovery Day After Australia Game, Leaving 49ers Without Adjustment Time
When 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan aired grievances at the annual NFL meetings in March about his team getting the short straw for a long trip to Australi...
Raiders' Fernando Mendoza Start Timeline: When Could the Rookie QB Debut?
'' Raiders coach Klint Kubiak repeatedly has said he would prefer that a rookie quarterback not start Day 1. That's why the Raiders signed veteran qua...
Trevor Lawrence's Haircut Featured in Jaguars' 2026 Schedule Video: Real or AI?
Last month, an image emerged of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with short hair. It was fake.Now, it's apparently real.The Jaguars' 2026 schedule-...
NFL Bye Week Schedule: Chiefs, Panthers Get Early Break; Cowboys, Cardinals Late
The NFL did the Chiefs a favor, giving them an early off week as Patrick Mahomes works his way back.The Chiefs and Panthers have the earliest possible...
Chargers’ 2026 NFL Schedule Release Video: Best Moments and Halo-Inspired Highlights
The 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here. And some have called this day the Super Bowl for the various social media departments within eac...
Seahawks vs. Rams Rivalry Heads to Christmas Day Showdown in 2026
In 2025, the Seahawks and Rams were arguably the best two teams in the NFL. They met three times.In 2026, they won't meet at all until Week 16.The fir...
NFL Week 12 2026 Features Record Nine Broadcast Windows: Full Schedule Breakdown
The Thanksgiving stretch will include even more football than turkey.Week 12 of the 2026 season includes NINE different NFL windows. NINE.It starts on...