NFL Draft Contract Update- Tyler Shough Signs as Second-Round Movement Picks Up

Teams had struggled to close deals in that round, but momentum is shifting; 22 of the 32 second-rounders signed over the past three days, leaving only eight unsigned.

One of the most notable signings is Tyler Shough, the quarterback taken 40th overall by the New Orleans Saints. With a real shot at starting as a rookie, Shough’s deal added to the recent wave of signings and underscored the urgency among teams to avoid training camp holdouts.

Much of the momentum can be traced back to an earlier move: Jayden Higgins’ fully guaranteed contract with the Houston Texans at No. 34 overall, a rare and influential deal for a second-rounder. That agreement reportedly prompted other teams to rethink their offers, setting off a domino effect that brought many more to the table.

As the Texans aim to build on last season’s momentum with a promising rookie class and rising expectations, fan interest across the state is surging. Bookmakers have priced Houston at +110 to win the AFC South, making them slight favorites in the division. While sports betting remains unregulated in the Lone Star State, Texas sports betting still sees steady activity through credible, licensed sportsbooks based outside Texas. These platforms offer competitive NFL odds, diverse football betting markets, fast payouts, and generous bonuses like welcome rewards, free bets, and odds boosts, giving Texans a dependable way to stay engaged throughout the season.

That move by Houston quickly put pressure on other teams. The Browns followed suit the very next day, fully guaranteeing the deal for Schwesinger, the 33rd overall pick. That chain reaction influenced negotiations for several players selected shortly after.

Tyler Shough’s contract added complexity. The Saints quarterback reportedly secured a fully guaranteed deal that includes a unique roster bonus structure. Unlike typical rookie contracts, Shough’s arrangement allows him to receive most of his annual compensation during the first week of training camp. This clause, not seen in even first-round contracts, shows how quarterback value can reshape negotiation dynamics, even outside the first round. His deal likely raised expectations for players taken between picks 35 and 39, further complicating talks for teams trying to limit guarantees.

Still unsigned are seven second-round players, including Browns running back Quinshon Judkins, who faces a legal issue following a recent arrest and did not report to training camp. Others include defensive backs, linebackers, and offensive linemen from teams like the Cardinals, Texans, Titans, and Buccaneers. Their rookie report dates span from July 18 to July 22, leaving a narrow window for deals to be reached before potential holdouts.

The lone unsigned first-round pick is Shemar Stewart, selected 17th overall by the Bengals. His contract discussions have stalled over a disputed clause that wasn’t included in recent deals for previous Bengals first-rounders. Stewart has skipped voluntary team activities and did not participate in mandatory minicamp, though he did attend. As of July 16, the Bengals were once again the only team yet to sign their first-rounder, a situation that mirrored last year.

With only eight second-round picks and one first-rounder left to sign, the majority of rookie deals have been completed. However, the few remaining negotiations could set further precedents, especially if other players push for contracts similar to the ones given to Higgins and Shough. As rookies report to training camp, how these unresolved deals unfold may shape future contract expectations for players taken outside the first round.