Nearly ALL of the 2025 2nd RD Draft class wants guaranteed contracts
As the Miami Dolphins prepare for the 2025 NFL season, one player remains at the center of a growing debate about rookie contracts: second-round pick Jonah Savaiinaea. The young defensive prospect, whose potential was praised leading up to the draft, now finds himself in the middle of a larger conversation about the increasing trend of fully guaranteed contracts for second-round picks—a movement that could shape the future of how teams handle rookie deals.
You can bet with the best pay per head that Miami must get this offensive line up to speed and humming quickly, so the issue isn’t the money. Jonah will get his money, but the fear is either a delayed entry into Training Camp or a protracted holdout. Savaiinaea is moving to a new side and is a rookie, so every rep he can get is needed.
We are a long way from there, but with camp weeks away, this is something to keep your eyes locked on.
2nd RD Picks want 1st Round guarantees
Most of the 2025 second-round picks are seemingly wanting their full contract guaranteed. There appears to be a strong push from the bulk of the 2nd round picks and their agents to make a stand on this. This is a serious stance it appears.
Traditionally, first-round picks received the majority of the guaranteed money, while second-round selections were given deals with more modest guarantees, with performance-based incentives playing a large role in their contracts. However, as we’ve seen in the 2025 offseason, this norm is being challenged.
Teams like the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns have set a precedent by signing their second-round picks, like Jayden Higgins and Carson Schwesinger, to fully guaranteed contracts. These groundbreaking deals have sparked a ripple effect across the league. Rookies selected in the second round, are now demanding similar terms—creating tension between agents, players, and team executives.
The Case of Jonah Savieneia
For the Dolphins, the situation with Savaiinaea presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Miami, which has cap space to maneuver in 2025, may see the value in securing their second-round pick with a fully guaranteed contract. Savaiinaea is seen as a player with high upside and locking him in with a more secure financial deal could solidify his place within the defense for years to come.
But the problem is what about players in the future they aren’t so high on? While some owners have accepted this new way, maybe some or many the owners could also form their own block and try to put their foot down?
The Dolphins must weigh the financial implications. We are dead broke now because for years Chris Grier spent like a drunken sailor. IF the Phins accept this year’s players demands then it could become the norm. Imagine all the failed second and third round picks we’ve had and across the league either by injury or poor performance being locked in through the whole contract.
NFL football is brutal sport and a player’s career can end with a snap of the fingers; teams are always hesitant to offer such substantial guarantees, especially to players who may not immediately contribute or live up to expectations.
The Bigger Picture
The Dolphins must balance their long-term goals with the reality of their roster construction—especially considering they have other positions of need to address in the coming seasons.
This could easily spiral out of control and slow down Savaiinaea’s entrance into camp, throw off the growth of this offensive line, and cause problems early in the season. The Phins can’t afford even a few minor slips to start this year of they have any hope of making good on the season.
Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel are coming off a letdown in 2024 and can’t afford another because one or both might find themselves out of a job. The purse strings were pulled tight this offseason by owner Stephen Ross, will he be willing to keep his foot in the ground even at the cost of a hold out?
As the landscape of rookie contracts continues to shift, and Savaiinaea is next in line after Seattle’s
Nick Emmanwori, it’s clear that Savieneia’s deal could be a bellwether for the future of the NFL or a the very least Miami. The decision Miami makes could have lasting implications on how the team approaches its roster-building strategy moving forward and maybe more than that.
It’s still very early, so let’s see how this plays out. Hopefully this goes very ‘unDolphins’ like and ends up with a smooth landing. Go Phins!!!.