As NFL training camps open across the league, one surprising development is dominating conversations among agents, front offices, and players: the majority of second-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft remain unsigned.
As of early Tuesday morning, only two second-round picks have officially signed—Carson Schwesinger (Cleveland Browns) and Jaden Higgins (Houston Texans). The remaining 30 second-round selections are still holding out.
What’s Causing the Delay?
The holdup centers around guaranteed contracts. For the first time, Schwesinger and Higgins received fully guaranteed deals—a precedent that could fundamentally shift how second-round contracts are negotiated going forward.
Every player and agent selected after those two picks is now pushing for similar terms. No agent wants to enter future recruitment cycles without being able to show they secured a fully guaranteed contract—especially when two other agents already have. On the other hand, teams are resisting the idea of offering full guarantees in the second round, creating a standoff.
Pressure Mounts as Camps Open
Some teams have already reported to camp. For example, the Los Angeles Chargers have players arriving this week, but second-round pick Trey Harris remains unsigned, underscoring the standoff’s impact.
With all NFL teams required to be in training camp by next week, pressure is mounting. Once a third deal is signed—either with or without full guarantees—it may trigger a domino effect. If another player receives a full guarantee, others may follow quickly. If a player signs without a guarantee, the tide could shift the other way.
What Comes Next?
All eyes are on which side blinks first. Will another team break ranks and offer a fully guaranteed deal? Or will agents start compromising to get their players into camp on time?
Regardless of the outcome, this situation marks a pivotal moment in rookie contract negotiations, especially for second-rounders. If guarantees become more common at this level, it could reshape financial expectations and draft strategies for years to come.
Expect movement soon—as training camp deadlines approach, decisions will need to be made.