It’s been quite some time since training camp holdouts were a thing in the NFL, at least in terms of draft picks. But this year, there’s a new element in play, at least for second-round selections.
While the first two picks of the second round—linebacker Carson Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns and wide receiver Jayden Higgins of the Houston Texans—have signed their rookie deals, the rest of the round has formed a united front. Given that Cleveland and Houston decided to offer fully guaranteed contracts, the rest of the round wants the same.
The trend of second-round holdouts has already started.
But teams are reticent to alter their approach going forward, because once the dam bursts, the precedent will be set for every pick going forward—at least in the second round. But the Texans started this with the signing of Higgins in early May, so it’s hard to put that toothpaste back into the proverbial tube.
The holdouts have already started with the Chargers opening training camp without wide receiver Tre Harris, who was taken at No. 55 overall.
What does this mean for the Kansas City Chiefs? They’re still waiting on Omarr Norman-Lott to sign his rookie deal. The defensive tackle out of Tennessee is an important component for the team’s defensive plans this season, since his presence offers Chris Jones a real chance at some rest during the regular season.
Norman-Lott came into the draft as one of the most disruptive players along the defensive interior in this entire draft class. Brett Veach turned heads when the Chiefs’ general manager decided to take him early in the second given that Norman-Lott was a part-time player for the Volunteers, but such an investment showed just how vital it was to the team to keep Jones fresh.
Will Norman-Lott be in training camp for the Chiefs when they come together on July 21? A lot is likely to happen in the next few days as camp comes into view and players begin to make their way to St. Joseph.
Dominoes like these are likely to fall quickly, and nothing motivates teams and players like a deadline. Once other draft picks either settle for non-guaranteed deals or if teams decide to cave in and give second-round picks what they want, the rest will sign their contracts as well. Until then, it’s possible Norman-Lott might miss a bit of camp.