Two high picks for the Raiders remain unsigned after rookie minicamp

With fourth-round wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. signing his rookie contract on Monday, the Las Vegas Raiders only have two members of their draft class left to sign.

However, both players are expected to be significant contributors to the Raiders early on. Second-round wide receiver Jack Bech and third-round cornerback Darien Porter are currently slated to start right away or have the opportunity to do so. The longer they remain unsigned, however, the more they risk falling behind in their development.

Although it is too early to be a major concern, it does raise the question on what exactly the holdup is with both players.

Why is it taking so long for Bech and Porter to sign with the Raiders?

Currently, it is unknown why Bech and Porter have not yet signed their rookie contracts.

Contract negotiations can tend to get complicated, and some players have not been afraid to hold out if they are not satisfied with what is on the table. For rookies, however, their wages are usually based on where they are selected, so most prolonged negotiations tend to focus on guaranteed money or unclear language in the deal. One of these two, or a combination of both, is likely what is keeping Bech and Porter from signing.

In fairness to them and the Raiders, this year has been unprecedented in terms of rookie contract negotiations.

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins made NFL history by becoming the first second-round pick to have their four-year rookie contract fully guaranteed at the time of signing. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are running into issues with inadequate injury protections for their rookie deals, resulting in notable holdouts of first-round defensive end Shemar Stewart and second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. It is unlikely that the Raiders’ issues are that severe, but prolonged holdouts from either Bech or Porter will result in some unsavory attention.

With OTAs scheduled to begin next week, the Raiders will likely want to get these deals done as soon as possible.