When the Denver Broncos selected University of Central Florida running back RJ Harvey as their second-round pick this year, the 24-year-old was overjoyed. “That call, that was the most joyful moment of my life," Harvey said, after getting the news. "It's a blessing. I'm just so excited."
But six weeks later, the 2024 third-team All-American who ranked second in the Big 12 with 1,577 rushing yards still has not signed a contract with the Broncos, according to Jon Heath of USA Today Broncoswire.
The holdup has nothing to do with the money Denver offered. Based on his draft position, the value of Harvey’s contract is set at $7,354,592 over four years, according to Spotrac.
The particular details, however, must be negotiated, including, perhaps most importantly, the amount of money that will be guaranteed.
And that’s the hang-up, according to the Broncoswire report. But the problem is not confined to Denver. According to information from The Football Database, 30 of the 32 second-round picks remained unsigned as of June 2.
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (37) during rookie minicamp at Broncos Park.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
If Broncos fans are looking for someone to blame, look no further than the front offices of the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. Those two teams held the first two picks in the second round. The Browns took UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger, and the Texans, up next, selected Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins.
Both teams gave their second-round picks fully guaranteed contracts, something ESPN NFL insider Mike Reiss termed “a rarity.” Generally, fully guaranteed contracts are reserved for first-rounders only.
But with the new precedent set, it appears that the other 30 second-rounders want fully guaranteed deals as well.
“Agents for every other player picked in the second round will undoubtedly want fully guaranteed contracts for their clients as well,” Heath wrote. “So until that trend is broken, Harvey is probably in no rush to be the first second-round pick in the class to settle for less.”
With Harvey being described as the best running back in the draft outside of No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty, should his non-signing worry Broncos fans?
Probably not. Most experts expect that Harvey and other second-rounders will eventually sign. In the meantime, however, it may take some patience waiting for the impasse caused by the Browns and Texans to get resolved.
