As the NFL offseason progresses, the 2025 NFL Draft’s second round has become a focal point of intrigue, with 30 of the 40 unsigned rookies being second-round picks, including the Philadelphia Eagles’ Drew Mukuba, selected 64th overall. According to ProFootballTalk.com, with over five weeks until training camps open, the bottleneck in signing these players stems from a groundbreaking shift in contract negotiations: fully guaranteed four-year contracts have now extended to Day 2 of the draft for the first time.
The catalyst for this shift was Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins, the 34th overall pick and second selection of the second round. Higgins, an Iowa State product, secured the first fully guaranteed second-round deal, setting a precedent that reverberated through the draft class. This breakthrough gave immediate leverage to Cleveland linebacker Carson Schwesinger, picked 33rd overall, who also locked in a fully guaranteed contract. The ripple effect has left the 30 subsequent second-round picks, starting with Seattle safety Nick Emmanwori at No. 35, unsigned as their agents push to extend full guarantees as far down the draft board as possible.
However, for Mukuba at No. 64, a fully guaranteed deal is unlikely, given the slotting system that governs NFL Draft contracts. Agents representing these second-rounders are holding out for clarity on how far the guarantee trend will stretch, causing a delay in finalizing deals. Despite this, the delay has not impacted Mukuba’s preparation. The Eagles, set to report to training camp on July 22, remain unconcerned, with negotiations likely to wrap up closer to camp as agents navigate the evolving landscape. For now, vacations may push final agreements to the week before camp, but Mukuba’s deal is considered inevitable.
On the field, Mukuba has already made a strong impression during the Eagles’ spring practices. The Texas product showcased the coverage skills and football IQ that made him a natural fit for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme. During three open practices observed by reporters, Mukuba saw significant first-team reps, particularly when veteran safety Reed Blankenship was absent for the first voluntary OTA. Mukuba split time with third-year player Sydney Brown, who edged him out for more first-team snaps once Blankenship returned.
The competition at safety is fierce, as the winner will have the daunting task of replacing C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who recorded 12 interceptions over two seasons (2022, 2024) with the Eagles, helping them reach the Super Bowl in both years. Mukuba’s early performance suggests he could be a key piece in maintaining Philadelphia’s defensive prowess, but the ongoing contract stalemate in the second round underscores the broader implications of his signing. As the Eagles and Mukuba move toward a deal, their negotiations could influence the remaining unsigned second-rounders, potentially reshaping expectations for future drafts.