Not long after this year’s NFL Draft, the Houston Texans finalized a rookie contract with their second-round selection, Jaden Higgins. While this type of signing is usually routine, what made this deal remarkable was its rarity: Higgins received a fully guaranteed contract — a first for any NFL draftee picked in the second round or later. The ex-Iowa wide receiver is set to earn $101.7 million over four years, with his pay protected even if he’s released, injured, or if the Texans decide to part ways.
Higgins’ unique contract has sparked a standoff across the league, with agents representing other second-round picks pushing for similarly fully guaranteed deals or at least more guaranteed money than past players drafted around their range. NFL teams are hesitant to set a challenging precedent by acquiescing to these demands.
As rookies start reporting for training camp this week, 30 of the 32 second-round draftees from April remain signed — the exceptions being Higgins and Carson Schwessinger, who signed a fully guaranteed $11.8 million deal with the Browns shortly after Higgins’ contract. Now, the question arises whether other second-round picks will unite in pursuit of equivalent guarantees.
The first notable holdout this camp is Tre Harris of the Los Angeles Chargers, who has yet to report. The NFL Players Association is actively monitoring this situation, hopeful that second-round picks can leverage this opportunity to redefine rookie contract norms. An NFLPA spokesperson confirmed ongoing efforts to support players and their agents in negotiating the best possible deals and exploring collective action to protect their financial futures.
Historically, rookie holdouts were common, exemplified by notable cases like Jamarcus Russell in 2007 and Michael Crabtree in 2009. However, such standoffs dwindled after the 2011 collective bargaining agreement established a rookie wage scale that capped contract values by draft slot. While length and most contract terms are fixed, the amount of guaranteed money remains one of the few negotiable elements. Fully guaranteed contracts for first-round picks became a norm only recently in 2022.
In the second round, guarantees have varied significantly in previous years — from Keon Coleman’s nearly fully guaranteed contract last year to Renaldo Green’s much less guaranteed deal. The last 2024 second-round pick to secure a guaranteed amount in their rookie contract’s fourth year was Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton, who will still earn $50,000 in 2027 even if released earlier.
Although all second-round picks participated in OTAs and minicamps this year, not all have appeared at training camps yet. Two key figures in this unfolding contract drama are New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and Cleveland Browns pick Quinsion Judkins. Shough, drafted 40th overall, could become the Saints’ starting QB in his rookie season, giving him leverage for a fully guaranteed contract. Meanwhile, Judkins faces legal issues that have weakened his negotiating position.
While NFL teams generate billions, the financial stakes surrounding rookie contracts are important given the average NFL career lasts only about three years. Most second-round picks don’t stay with their original teams for the contract’s full duration, underscoring why guaranteed money is such a critical bargaining chip.
Research from OverTheCap.com shows nearly 97% of second-round picks from 2015 to 2022 lasted at least two seasons with their drafting team, but only around 84% made it through three or more. This highlights why guarantees for years three and four are contentious.
Unlike veterans, rookies hold more leverage during holdouts since teams can’t fine them before signing a contract. Plus, rookies rely heavily on training camp and preseason reps to adjust to the NFL, so teams are motivated to get them on board quickly.
Looking ahead, many will watch the outcome of Shough’s negotiations with New Orleans. If the Saints want to avoid starting a quarterback who misses valuable preseason reps, they might need to offer him a fully guaranteed deal. This could set a precedent that encourages similarly situated draftees to demand better guarantees.
Fan Take: This development could reshape rookie contract negotiations in the NFL, potentially ushering in an era where more second-round players secure full guarantees. For fans, it marks a shift toward greater financial security for young athletes but also hints at evolving dynamics between players and teams in managing rookie talent.
