Tyler Shough Seeks Fully Guaranteed Four-Year Deal, Impacting Second-Round Rookie Contracts
Tyler Shough, the New Orleans Saints’ second-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, is making waves by pursuing a fully guaranteed rookie contract. This move signals a potential shift in how second-round draft picks negotiate their initial deals.
Earlier this year, the Houston Texans set a new benchmark by offering a fully guaranteed contract to Jayden Higgins, the 34th overall pick. Soon after, the Cleveland Browns followed with a similar deal for Carson Schwesinger, the 33rd pick. In light of these developments, Shough is pushing for comparable terms, a notable departure from the more traditional contracts seen in recent years, such as that of Cooper DeJean, the 40th pick in 2024, whose deal included only partial guarantees in the third year and none in the fourth.
Shough’s position as a potential starting quarterback for the Saints—especially after Derek Carr’s retirement—gives him additional leverage in negotiations. If he succeeds in securing a fully guaranteed contract, it could pave the way for other players drafted in the early 40s to seek similar guarantees. However, teams may push back, arguing that quarterback contracts warrant different considerations, which might limit this trend’s broader application.
As contract talks progress, Shough’s demands could have significant implications on rookie contract standards for second-round picks in the years ahead.
