As training camps are just around the corner, all eyes are on the NFL as 32 teams prepare for the start of the new season. The 2025 NFL Draft saw a total of 257 players selected, but as of Thursday morning, 31 players are still without contracts. This leaves the possibility of several rookie holdouts, especially concerning second-round picks.
Only three of the 32 second-round selections had signed contracts before Thursday. However, there has been a spike in activity recently, with ten more second-round players signing their rookie deals in the past few days. As it stands, 20 players remain unsigned heading into the training camp season, a potential cause for concern for their respective teams.
Focusing on the Cincinnati Bengals, they are currently facing a challenging situation with both of their top draft picks still waiting on contracts. The negotiations with Shemar Stewart have reportedly turned contentious, as the team has added new language to his contract that differs from previous first-rounders. Stewart has been absent from OTAs and has not participated in mandatory minicamp, raising the likelihood of a holdout if the situation does not progress quickly.
For the second year in a row, the Bengals are the only team yet to secure a contract with their first-round pick, highlighting the challenges they face. Meanwhile, other teams are making progress with their rookies, with key players like Quinshon Judkins from the Browns and TreVeyon Henderson from the Patriots also needing to finalize agreements soon before their respective report dates.
The reason behind many of these second-round holdouts often boils down to contract guarantees and the specific terms around them. Former NFL agent Joel Corry mentioned that the contract the Texans gave Jayden Higgins has created ripples in the negotiation process for other second-round picks. Once players like Tyler Shough from the Saints finalize their deals, it may provide a clearer path for those who follow.
With training camps set to open soon, the pressure is on these teams to finalize contracts and ensure that their rookie classes are on board. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, fans will be watching closely to see if negotiations heat up or remain stale.
