Nathan Cleary has yet to commit to Penrith beyond 2027, the year his father Ivan is due to finish coaching, while Sam Walker's Roosters future is also set to end that season.
Sydney coach Trent Robinson said on Friday that Walker, 24, would remain at the club next season but would not be offered a deal beyond 2027.
The Roosters withdrew an offer reportedly worth $1.1 million a season through to at least 2030. Walker, a Queensland State of Origin playmaker and recent Kangaroos debutant, was understood to want another $200,000 a year.
Robinson said neither side was at fault. "No one's done anything wrong. No one's a bad person in this," he told Channel Seven.
He said negotiations began mid-year, but Walker's camp pushed discussions until after the season, as November 1 approached. Robinson said Walker was the club's biggest contract and other players needed clarity.
Robinson also criticised the week's commentary about Walker's character, saying the halfback had signed through the end of next year and had simply chosen not to commit for 2028.
Walker is expected to be among the leading free agents when the NRL trade period opens on Sunday, although Robinson said, "there's no way to get a deal done after this."
North Queensland's Tom Dearden, Walker's Maroons and Kangaroos teammate, said Friday there was "zero chance" of a swap deal.
The Roosters appear ready to pair Toby Rodwell with Hugo Savala in the halves after Walker leaves, unless they make a bid for Cleary.