Why Second Round Picks Take Longer to Sign Contracts
Second-round picks always take longer to sign in the NFL, and 2025 has been no exception. While their contracts are slotted on the rookie wage scale, negotiations around guarantees and upside protections have become increasingly contentious. A significant shift began this year when top players, early in the second round, secured fully guaranteed four-year deals, breaking from tradition. This sparked a wave of holdouts and stalled negotiations as other picks and their agents pushed for similar terms, leading to widespread delays across the league. As a result, many teams are entering training camp without key rookies under contract.
The core issue centers on money protection. Although base salaries are predetermined mainly, disputes arise over how much of the contract, especially in the third and fourth years, should be guaranteed. Once a few second-rounders earned full guarantees, others began waiting to see if the market would adjust in their favor. This hesitation has created a domino effect, with players holding out until comparable deals are reached. Teams are reluctant to give in too quickly, fearing it could set a precedent that alters how future rookie contracts are structured. For players, these delays can limit their participation in rookie minicamps, OTAs, and early training camp sessions, impacting their development and readiness. Teams, meanwhile, are forced to adjust depth charts and practice plans without key additions in place. The uncertainty disrupts both sides, as coaches can’t fully integrate players, and rookies miss crucial early reps that shape their rookie seasons. It can also delay learning the playbook, building chemistry with teammates, and earning the trust of coaches early in the process. In some cases, players might even risk falling behind others on the depth chart by the time they report.
This year’s draft has seen notable examples of the trend, including Tyler Shough, Mason Taylor, Demetrius Knight Jr., and Terrance Ferguson. Their situations, ranging from early signings with full guarantees to extended holdouts, illustrate how second-round negotiations have grown more complex. These players have helped reset expectations, influencing how agents approach talks with teams. As more players push for stronger deals, teams face increasing pressure to adjust their contract strategies or risk drawn-out negotiations. The ripple effect can even impact third-round picks hoping to leverage similar arguments.
The prolonged delays are the result of evolving expectations among second-round picks, driven by a few precedent-setting contracts. While the rookie wage scale was designed to streamline negotiations, these disputes show that leverage and timing still play a significant role. The ripple effects may influence how second-round contracts are handled in future drafts, especially as more players seek stronger protections. Teams will need to decide whether to hold firm or adapt to the new market realities. One thing is clear: rookie contract negotiations are no longer as routine as they once seemed to be.
