The only NFL stars from top-five 2026 Draft picks who will pay $0 state income tax ft. Fernando Mendoza

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Fernando Mendoza is already making headlines as the No. 1 overall pick, but there is another layer to his rookie deal that sets him apart from most of his draft class.

Top-five picks are expected to cash in immediately, yet not all contracts are created equal once taxes come into play. Where a player lands can quietly reshape how much of that money they actually keep.

And in this year’s draft, one particular detail has created a clear divide among the very top selections.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Fernando Mendoza among top-five picks benefiting from $0 state income tax

As highlighted by Front Office Sports, the gap in projected state income tax between the top-five picks is massive.

Fernando Mendoza, after going No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, is projected to pay $0 in state income tax on his rookie deal.

Meanwhile, David Bailey with the Jets is expected to owe around $5.7 million, Jeremiyah Love with the Cardinals about $1.3 million, and Arvell Reese with the Giants roughly $4.7 million.

Only one other top-five selection joins Mendoza in that $0 category, creating a clear split at the very top of the draft when it comes to take-home earnings.

It is a striking reminder that the draft is not just about talent evaluation. The destination can completely reshape the financial outcome.

Why certain NFL destinations create a major tax advantage?

The difference comes down to something simple but extremely impactful: state tax laws.