As NFL training camps open across the league, one of the biggest off-field storylines centers not around a star quarterback or coaching change, but a rookie contract.
A unique deal signed by Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins has triggered a standoff among second-round draft picks, putting players like Chargers rookie Tre Harris at the center of an escalating situation.
How Jayden Higgins’ Deal Sparked a Standoff Among Second-Round Picks
While rookie holdouts aren’t unheard of, what’s happening in 2025 is unprecedented. Out of 32 second-round picks, 30 remain unsigned due to a disagreement over guaranteed money, and that mass delay in signings is being traced directly back to Higgins’ contract with the Texans.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport highlighted how pervasive the contract dispute has become: “With 30 of the 32 second-round picks unsigned because of a disagreement over guaranteed money, Harris makes the first official stand.”
Harris, selected in the second round by the Chargers, did not report by the July 12 rookie deadline, which officially categorized his absence as a holdout.
The Texans contract with Jayden Higgins has completely disrupted signing prospects like nothing we’ve seen in the history of the sport. 30 of 32 are still unsigned and we are coming up on actual camp. https://t.co/g4Hb6KSzgc
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) July 13, 2025
However, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein pointed to a larger disruption caused by Higgins’ deal. In a post on X, Zierlein wrote: “The Texans contract with Jayden Higgins has completely disrupted signing prospects like nothing we’ve seen in the history of the sport. 30 of 32 are still unsigned and we are coming up on actual camp.”
The ripple effect began when Higgins, selected 34th overall, secured a fully guaranteed four-year contract from Houston. That set a powerful precedent. Soon after, Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger became the second second-rounder to land a similar deal. Now, the remaining unsigned players are holding firm, demanding the same.
Harris’ case underscores how complicated this has become. Despite being labeled a “holdout,” he cannot be fined. This is because Harris is not yet under contract and, therefore, not subject to the typical financial penalties veterans face.
Analyst Mike Florio explained: “Reminder: There’s a difference between holdouts who aren’t under contract and those that are. Unsigned draft picks face no financial penalties for staying away from camp.”
Even though the NFL’s slotting system standardizes rookie contract values, the structure, particularly guaranteed money and injury protections, is still up for negotiation. This year, Higgins’ contract has emboldened players to reject partial guarantees that had previously been the norm for second-round picks.
The standoff is perhaps most intense in Cincinnati, where edge rusher Shemar Stewart is reportedly locked in a bitter contract battle with the Bengals. Stewart has reportedly been particularly upset about the team’s refusal to offer a fully guaranteed deal, sparking tensions over how funds are distributed and injury clauses are worded.
For now, the Higgins precedent looms large. As teams scramble to finalize contracts ahead of training camps, all eyes will remain on how far this new wave of second-round rookies is willing to go and how long they’ll stay away from the field to secure the new standard.
