As the NFL offseason rolls on, the 2025 NFL Draft’s second round has become an unexpected battleground for contract negotiations, with 30 of the 40 unsigned rookies being second-round picks, including the Philadelphia Eagles’ Drew Mukuba, selected 64th overall. With training camps set to open in just over five weeks, a seismic shift in contract structures has created a logjam, and Mukuba’s eventual signing could signal a new era for the Eagles’ defense.
According to ProFootballTalk.com, the holdup stems from a groundbreaking trend: fully guaranteed four-year contracts have reached Day 2 of the draft for the first time. The dominoes began falling when Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins, the 34th overall pick, secured the first fully guaranteed second-round deal. This set a precedent, empowering Cleveland linebacker Carson Schwesinger (No. 33) to lock in a similar deal. Now, the 30 unsigned second-rounders, starting with Seattle safety Nick Emmanwori at No. 35, are pushing to extend this guarantee as far down the draft board as possible.
While Mukuba, at No. 64, is unlikely to secure a fully guaranteed deal due to the NFL’s slotting system, his camp is among those awaiting clarity before finalizing terms. Agents across the league are playing a waiting game, leveraging the new precedent to maximize their clients’ deals. Despite the delay, there’s no cause for concern in Philadelphia. Mukuba remains on track to join the Eagles when they report to training camp on July 22, with negotiations likely to wrap up in the weeks leading up to it.
On the field, Mukuba has already made waves. The Texas product showcased his coverage skills and football IQ during spring practices, proving to be a natural fit for Vic Fangio’s defense. In three practices open to reporters, Mukuba split first-team reps with third-year safety Sydney Brown, particularly when veteran Reed Blankenship was absent for the first voluntary OTA. Even with Blankenship’s return, Mukuba continued to mix in with the first team, though Brown edged him out for the majority of those reps.
The Eagles’ safety position is under scrutiny following the trade of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who recorded 12 interceptions over two seasons (2022, 2024) while helping Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl both years. Mukuba and Brown are vying to fill those shoes, a daunting task for any player, let alone a rookie. Yet, Mukuba’s spring performance suggests he’s more than ready to compete.
As the contract standoff continues, Mukuba’s eventual signing could be a quiet bombshell for the Eagles. His seamless integration into Fangio’s scheme and ability to hold his own against established players signal a potential steal at No. 64. While the league watches the second-round drama unfold, Philadelphia may have already found their next defensive cornerstone—and nobody’s ready for what Mukuba could unleash in 2025.