Former Texas A&M defensive end Chemer Stewart, who was the Cincinnati Bengals’ 17th overall pick this year, has been widely reported on recently. Last month, Stewart left the Bengals’ mandatory minicamp after sitting down, sparked by a dispute over contract language related to the invalidation of his guaranteed salary.
He is not the only new draftee facing contract issues, as many rookies are experiencing similar delays. Notably, there are 30 second-round picks who have yet to sign contracts with their teams, including Chargers rookies in El Segundo, California, and wide receiver Tre Harris from Ole Miss, who is expected to report to training camp on Saturday. However, Harris’ team informed Front Office Sports that negotiations are still ongoing, and he will not attend camp until a contract is finalized.
The signing delays come after a precedent was set in May when the first two second-round picks received fully guaranteed contracts, a first in NFL history. The Houston Texans surprised many by giving former Iowa wide receiver Jaden Higgins a fully guaranteed deal just before their minicamp. The next day, Carson Schwesinger, a linebacker from UCLA drafted by the Cleveland Browns, also secured a fully guaranteed rookie contract.
More than two months later, the remaining 30 second-round picks have yet to sign, reportedly seeking similar guaranteed compensation. CBS Sports highlighted that quarterback Tyler Shough, the 40th overall pick by the New Orleans Saints, and his representatives are also pushing for a fully guaranteed rookie contract, especially following the unexpected retirement of veteran Derek Carr.
While some rookies, including those from teams like the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers, are set to report soon, all NFL players are expected to be at training camps by July 23rd. Although rookie holdouts are rare due to the 2011 collective bargaining agreement that established the rookie pay scale, they still occur. Past holdouts include defensive player Joey Bosa and linebacker Raekwon Smith, who delayed their signing before attending training camps after being drafted in 2016 and 2018, respectively.
Fan Take: This contract standoff highlights a growing trend toward guaranteed rookie deals, signaling a potential shift in how teams negotiate with new players. NFL fans should watch closely, as these developments might reshape rookie contract norms and impact team dynamics early in players’ careers.
