Only two of the 32 second-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft have signed their rookie deals—and it’s not due to injury or paperwork.
It’s about precedent.
Historically, second-rounders receive four-year rookie contracts with only the first two years fully guaranteed. But this offseason, the Houston Texans disrupted the standard when they fully guaranteed all four years for their second-round selection. It was a bold and aggressive move—one that now has ripple effects across the entire league.
Now, a holdout is quietly turning into a statement.
30 second-round picks remain unsigned, with many of their agents reportedly holding firm until teams match or approach the level of financial security the Texans offered. It’s not just about money—it’s about leverage. This year’s class, stacked with Day 2 talent widely considered first-round caliber, knows the value it brings.
“The Texans gave a player what they believed he was worth,” one agent told The Athletic. “Every other team is now trying to walk that back—and the players aren’t budging.”
Front offices across the NFL are frustrated, but players and agents argue that the precedent has already been set. If one team sees full value in a second-rounder, why shouldn’t the others?
Camps are approaching. Rookies are expected to report within the next few weeks. But if this holdout continues, it could mark the beginning of a new era in contract negotiation—especially for Day 2 picks who have often sat in the murky middle between star money and roster filler.
Unless teams blink, this could get historic.