Last year, the Cincinnati Bengals became the most infamous example of the negotiating power of a team’s draft pick when first-round selection Shemar Stewart nearly returned to Texas A&M after a contract dispute that lasted well into August.
All around the NFL, 2025 second-round draft picks were holding out from mandatory mini-camps and OTAs as their agents fought for more player-friendly deals. The Cleveland Browns broke the ice when they agreed to fully guarantee the contracts of both of their second-round picks that year.
New England Patriots 2025 second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson did not sign his own contract until July 19. He was the final member of the draft class to put pen to paper.
Henderson was able to get his four-year contract fully guaranteed when he did finally sign.
The cycle has repeated itself in 2026; 28th overall pick Caleb Lomu signed his Patriots contract on Monday, making 55th overall selection Gabe Jacas the final player holding out.
Jacas is no doubt looking to execute the same game plan.
Some of this year’s second-rounders have been able to land fully guaranteed deals. Edge rushers T.J. Parker and R Mason Thomas, who were taken 20 and 15 picks before Jacas, respectively, got all of their money guaranteed.
But the other draftees selected in the 50s who have already signed have done so under the pretense of about 80-90% of their contracts guaranteed.
I suspect Jacas’ deal will get done next week and land closer to that of the other players selected in the 50s, rather than following Henderson’s blueprint.
