The New Orleans Saints have locked down the majority of their 2025 NFL draft class. Rookie minicamp began on Thursday, and NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reported Kelvin Banks, Danny Stutsman, Quincy Riley, Devin Neal, Moliki Matavao and Fadil Diggs have signed contracts That's six of nine draftees who are now under contract.
Tyler Shough, Vernon Broughton and Jonas Sanker are the only selections left who haven't signed a contract yet. Interestingly, that triumvirate were all picked in Day 2 of the NFL draft, with Shough going in Round 2 and Broughton and Sanker being third round picks.
Is Tyler Shough remaining unsigned a big deal?
As a quarterback, Shough not being a part of the collective to sign their contract could raise some eyebrows. It isn't concerning in the slightest. As a second round pick, it's actually very normal to see a delay on their contract signing.
The contracts of second round picks seem to be more fluid than you see in other rounds. It's typically a lot of competing with fellow second rounders on who can get the best deal. This competition results in a lot of waiting until the next man signed to try to match or outdo their guaranteed money.
No player is outdoing Jayden Higgins, however. The No. 34 overall pick got a fully guaranteed contract from the Houston Texans. He's the first second round pick in NFL history to get a fully guaranteed contract, and it should be expected that others will attempt to emulate that.
Shough may be one of them. Though he was picked six picks later, he may try to get a fully guaranteed contract as well. These types of negotiations can go all the way into June or July sometimes.
Still present at Saints rookie minicamp
The biggest reason to remain unconcerned about rookies not being signed is they were all present at rookie minicamp. Cincinatti Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart is sitting out until he has a contract signed. None of the Saints rookies are doing that.
There's no reason to believe there is any tension between the team and the rookie. At this point, it's about offseason activities. The contracts will work themselves out.