The NFL offseason is supposed to be a time for rookies to get acclimated, build chemistry, and learn their team’s playbook. For most rookies, that process will continue during training camp. But for second-round picks, specifically, there’s an unsettling trend that could turn into a huge headache. Especially for the Chicago Bears, who have three second-round rookies: wide receiver Luther Burden III (pick 39), offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (pick 56), and defensive tackle Shemar Turner (pick 62).
The NFL’s second-round contract structure has long been seen as relatively straightforward, typically with four-year deals and partial guarantees. But that standard was shaken up in May when the Houston Texans handed their second-round pick, wide receiver Jayden Higgins, a fully guaranteed rookie deal. The first in league history for a second-rounder. Not long after, the Cleveland Browns followed suit with linebacker Carson Schwesinger, signaling what could be a seismic shift in how second-round contracts are negotiated moving forward.
Fast forward to July 13th, and no other second-round pick has signed their rookie contract. That leaves 30 players, including all three of the Bears’ second-rounders, in limbo.
But something has changed, with Los Angeles Chargers second-round pick, wide receiver Tre Harris, becoming the first second-rounder to officially hold out of training camp. Harris, like many others, participated fully during OTAs and minicamp, but his absence from training camp raises some red flags. If more players follow suit, the league could be staring at a full-blown contract standoff.
The deadline for #Chargers rookies to report is upon us and second round WR Tre Harris is officially a holdout, sources say.
With 30 of the 32 second-round picks unsigned because of a disagreement over guaranteed money, Harris makes the first official stand.
For the Bears, this is especially troubling. Players like Burden, Trapilo, and Turner were brought in to contribute right away. Missing the early days of training camp could delay their adjustment to the NFL, hinder chemistry with teammates, and even cost them an impact role by Week 1. Even if the players themselves want to be at camp, their agents are likely holding firm until they secure more favorable terms in line with what Higgins and Schwesinger received.
When Bears’ rookies report to Halas Hall for training camp on July 19th, the hope is that the three second-round picks have signed their contracts and are on the field with the rest of the rookies. And this can just be one huge overreaction. However, it’s shaping up to be a dilemma, whether the Bears like it or not.
July 15th is a key date, with several other teams expecting their rookies to report, including second-round picks Mike Green (Ravens), T.J. Sanders (Bills), Jonah Savaiinaea (Dolphins), Alfred Collins (49ers), Nick Emmanwori (Seahawks), and Elijah Arroyo (Seahawks).
If more second-round picks stay home, the Bears could soon find themselves in the middle of a league-wide standoff that no team, especially one with the most second-rounders, can afford.
The hope in Chicago is that common ground can be found soon. Because if this trend continues, the Bears’ 2025 draft class could go from promising to problematic before the season even starts.
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