The New Orleans Saints are the latest team to sign their second round pick to a contract this week after inking Tyler Shough to a four-year deal worth $10.795 million, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The most important part of the deal is it's fully guaranteed.
This has been the point of contention for not just Shough but for all second-round picks. Once the first second rounder got his deal fully guaranteed, there was a precedent set that others attempted to follow. Signs say Shough will be the last fully guaranteed contract we see from this class.
Shough was picked No. 40 and the 41st pick didn't see his contract guaranteed. No second round pick selected after Shough was signed to a fully guaranteed deal either. It seems like train stops at 40. Shough is slightly different from the rest, though. Schefter reported Shough will have a roster bonus structure that "receives the majority of his compensation each year during the first week of training camp."
Tyler Shough's contract is a win-win situation for the him and the Saints
Shough clearly benefits financially from the situation. No matter what happens moving forward, he's secured. However, Shough's presence in camp alone is a win-win situation. There were questions on whether or not this contract situation would lead to him sitting out. I guess we'll never know.
Tyler Shough versus Spencer Rattler is the highlight of Saints training camp. It's also the most important battle of camp. Neither Shough or the Saints could afford for Shough to not show up to camp on time. He didn't want to fall behind in the competition, and the Saints wanted to get a full evaluation of the competition.
It's important to note that Shough seeing his entire contract guaranteed is no indication of Shough's odds of landing the starting role over Rattler. The contract is still low in value and the difference between fully guaranteed and a typical contract for a 40th overall pick is less than $2 million.
Shough may have a leg up from purely being a draft pick, but the details of the contract won't impact that. He will have the same standing he had prior to signing his deal.