Why is Nate Boerkircher Jaguars only unsigned draft pick?

Of the Jacksonville Jaguars' 10 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, nine of those players are now signed to their rookie deals. The one unsigned draft pick is tight end Nate Boerkircher.

So why is that the case?

More often than not, the delay in Boerkircher getting a deal done has to do with when he was selected, which was in the second round.

Due to the rookie wage scale, which sets parameters for what each first-year player can make based on when they were picked, there isn't a ton of negotiating that can take place. This isn't like a team and an agent negotiating all that goes into a free agent deal.

That said, where there is wiggle room is with the guaranteed amount.

Contracts for first-round draft picks are now fully guaranteed, and each year, a larger portion of the deals for second-round picks is becoming more guaranteed as well. This includes Cleveland's Carson Schwesinger and Houston's Jayden Higgins, the 33rd and 34th overall picks in the 2025 draft, earning fully guaranteed contracts.

Typically, the draft picks before a player is selected lay the framework for what the next selection's contract will look like. So, with Boerkircher being the 56th overall pick, his deal may not get done until more of the selections before him agree to their contracts

For what it's worth, Ozzy Trapilo, the 56th overall pick in the 2025 draft by Chicago, wasn't reportedly signed until July 17.