You’re likely aware that there’s been an intriguing storyline brewing around second-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft over the past few months. The Houston Texans made the unprecedented decision to sign No. 34 overall pick Jayden Higgins to a fully-guaranteed contract. Realizing they possessed no leverage, the Cleveland Brownsfollowed suit with 33rd selection Carson Schwesinger.
The other 30 second-round picks in the NFL remain unsigned, including Tennessee Titans rookie EDGE Femi Oladejo. The situation
is beginning to reach a boiling point. Current CBA rules don’t allow rookies to physically participate in training camp if they haven’t signed their contracts.
The rubber is meeting the road around the league. The Los Angeles Chargers reported to training camp over the weekend. Their second-round pick, wide receiver Tre Harris, is officially holding out over guaranteed money, according to various reports.
The deadline for #Chargers rookies to report is upon us and second round WR Tre Harris is officially a holdout, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 12, 2025
With 30 of the 32 second-round picks unsigned because of a disagreement over guaranteed money, Harris makes the first official stand. pic.twitter.com/Z2PU9p0wEc
Oladejo displayed a team-first attitude at OTAs and minicamp, but the situation is different now. Rookies are permitted to participate in offseason workouts without a signed contract, because there are injury protections in place. Training camp essentially serves as an unofficial deadline for rookie deals to get signed. That’s why Harris is holding out in L.A.
And Oladejo’s agent is likely driving the conversation in Nashville. No matter how much of a team-first attitude Oladejo has, he’ll expect, with advice from his agency, to sign a contract that is deemed fair by market standards. The market was completely thrown into disarray by the Texans (thanks, Houston!), leading to unprecedented negotiations.
Titans GM Mike Borgonzi would probably prefer to see a rookie contract around Oladejo’s slot (No. 52 overall) get done before taking his stance. Just because the 33rd and 34th selections got fully-guaranteed contracts doesn’t necessarily mean Oladejo will. Guarantees have always slightly differed pick to pick in previous years, but putting the fully-guaranteed variety on the table changed things.
For example, what do the 50th and 53rd pick get in guaranteed money? Borgonzi would love to have that example before signing Oladejo. The Titans are slated to report to training camp on July 22nd, with the first on-field practice scheduled for the 23rd. The Titans have less than two weeks to get Oladejo signed to avoid a distraction and holdout.
More from musiccitymiracles.com:
- NFL power rankings week 7: The green arrow is back, baby!
- DeShone Kizer to start at quarterback for Browns vs. Titans
- Tennessee Titans Podcast: Wrapping up the Colts game, Quick look at the Browns
- Titans vs. Browns: What are the odds?
- Dick LeBeau made some great halftime adjustments in Titans win over the Colts
- Tennessee Titans Podcast: Gutsy Mariota Comes Through to Beat the Colts
- Titans end the streak, beat the Colts 36-22
