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2026 NFL Draft first-round pick contract tracker: Makai Lemon becomes first to sign rookie deal
TL;DR
Makai Lemon has signed the first rookie contract following the 2026 NFL Draft. All 257 selected players must secure contracts to participate in training camp activities.
Key points
- Makai Lemon signs first rookie contract of the 2026 NFL Draft
- 257 players selected must sign contracts to join teams
- Rookies can participate in offseason activities without contracts
- Complications can arise if contracts are not signed before training camp
- Rookie wage scale established by the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement
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NFL
Makai Lemon2026 NFL Draft
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The 2026 NFL Draft is a thing of the past, and now it's time for the 257 selected players to join their teams by signing rookie contracts. Rookies can participate in minicamps and other offseason activities while not under contract, but once training camp rolls around, they need to be under contract to avoid complications.
Complications do indeed happen. Signing a rookie deal is usually a formality, with the rookie wage scale from the 2011 NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement laying out non-negotiable salary slots for the rookie wage scale. Still, there are a few instances in which things get sticky -- Shemar Stewart last offseason stands out as one such example -- and as such, it's worth keeping track of who has officially signed and who hasn't.
We do so below for all 32 first-round picks, with all salary numbers via Spotrac.
| Pick | Player |
Q&A
Who is the first player to sign a rookie contract in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Makai Lemon is the first player to sign a rookie contract following the 2026 NFL Draft.
What happens if NFL rookies don't sign their contracts before training camp?
If NFL rookies do not sign their contracts before training camp, they may face complications and cannot participate in team activities.
What is the rookie wage scale in the NFL?
The rookie wage scale is established by the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement and outlines non-negotiable salary slots for drafted players.
How many players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft?
A total of 257 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
