Until the evening of Wednesday, only a pair of the 32 choices made in the second round of the 2025 NFL Selection Event had formalized agreements as young players started showing up to training locations. Nonetheless, a significant occurrence appears to have transpired, potentially paving the way for these second-round participants to formalize their commitments.
Defensive lineman Alfred Collins, chosen by the San Francisco 49ers as the 43rd overall selection in the selection event after playing at Texas, has consented to a four-year agreement worth $10.3 million for his initial contract, which encompasses $9 million in assured compensation, according to ESPN. Collins stands out as the primary second-round selection to acknowledge a fully guaranteed agreement, which is the central element preventing individuals selected from positions 35 to 64 from finalizing their agreements, and he might even be seen as a figure of notable importance to other NFL organizations.
Earlier in May, the Houston Texans presented wide receiver Jayden Higgins, picked as the 34th overall choice, with an unparalleled initial agreement by ensuring the complete assurance of his compensation. Subsequently, the Cleveland Browns adhered to this approach by assuring the comprehensive initial agreement for linebacker Carson Schwesinger, the 33rd choice. This circumstance prompted other second-round selections to embark on efforts to secure fully guaranteed agreements, with Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre Harris even opting to abstain from training camp participation.
33 NFL young players who might abstain from involvement in training camp: A pair of first-round choices and 30 second-round participants appear on the listing
John Breech
Although Collins’ choice to formalize his mostly-assured agreement will probably encourage other second-round selections to follow suit, specific individuals will persist in their pursuit of elevated assured compensation. Consider quarterback Tyler Shough, for instance. As the potential emerging starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints after Derek Carr’s departure, the individual from Louisville has been operating covertly to secure an initial agreement with comprehensive assurance.
Collins formalizing an initial agreement that assures 88% of his compensation is not an extensive concession in contrast to prior years, yet it signifies a notable advancement this year and is anticipated to initiate the process for other NFL teams to effectively secure agreements with their Day 2 selections.
