A historic holdout among 2025 second-round picks has fundamentally changed rookie contract negotiations—and it’s only the beginning.
The Unprecedented Standoff
By mid-July, something unprecedented was happening in the NFL. Of the 32 second-round picks from the 2025 draft, only two had signed their rookie contracts—a shocking departure from the typical pre-training camp rush to finalize deals.
The reason? A revolution in rookie contract guarantees that’s reshaping the league’s financial landscape.
The Trailblazers Who Started It All
Two players changed everything:
Carson Schwesinger (No. 33, Cleveland Browns) secured a 4-year, $11.8 million fully guaranteed contract—the first of its kind for a second-round pick. Days earlier, Jayden Higgins (No. 34, Houston Texans) had broken similar ground with his 4-year, $11.7 million fully guaranteed deal.
These weren’t just contracts; they were statements. Second-round picks had historically received mixed guaranteed/non-guaranteed money, with full guarantees reserved for first-rounders. Schwesinger and Higgins shattered that ceiling.
The Domino Effect
The impact was immediate and dramatic. Agents across the league took notice, advising their second-round clients to hold out for similar guarantees. What followed was the most significant rookie contract standoff in recent NFL history.
By Wednesday, 30 highly drafted players remained unsigned—each betting their careers on securing better terms.
The Dam Breaks
Alfred Collins (No. 43, San Francisco 49ers) became the catalyst for change. His 4-year, $10.3 million deal with over $9 million guaranteed proved that the new standard wasn’t limited to the top two picks.
Within 24 hours, the floodgates opened. The number of signed second-rounders jumped from two to nine, with more following daily.
A Historic Holdout Ends
The most dramatic moment came when Tre Harris (No. 55, Los Angeles Chargers) became the first official holdout, missing the start of training camp. His absence sent shockwaves through the league—but his eventual agreement to terms validated the strategy.
Harris’s successful holdout proved that even lower second-round picks could secure meaningful guarantees, setting a precedent that will echo for years.
The New Contract Reality
Here’s what the successful signings look like:
The pattern is clear: guarantees are skyrocketing, with some players securing 80-90% of their contract value upfront.
Who’s Still Waiting?
Several notable players remain unsigned, including:
- Quinshon Judkins (No. 36, Browns) – Complicated by off-field legal issues
- Luther Burden III (No. 39, Bears) – Holding out for better terms
- Tyler Shough (No. 40, Saints) – Negotiations ongoing
- Jonah Savaiinaea (No. 37, Dolphins) – Status unclear
What This Means for the NFL’s Future
This isn’t just about 2025 contracts—it’s about the future of rookie negotiations. Key implications include:
For Players: Second-round picks now have legitimate leverage to demand first-round treatment. The precedent is set.
For Teams: Front offices must budget for significantly higher guaranteed money in the second round, potentially affecting draft strategy.
For Agents: The successful holdout strategy will likely be replicated, making summer contract negotiations more complex.
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 second-round contract revolution represents a seismic shift in NFL economics. Players have successfully challenged the traditional rookie wage scale structure, proving that collective action can rewrite the rules.
As training camps continue and the season approaches, expect the remaining holdouts to secure similar deals. The precedent is too strong, and the leverage too clear.
The message is unmistakable: Second-round picks are no longer second-class citizens in NFL contract negotiations. They’ve rewritten the playbook, and the league will never be the same.
This developing story continues to unfold as more second-round picks finalize their historic contracts. The full impact of this contract revolution will be felt for years to come.