The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 rookie class is generating buzz, particularly around second-round pick Andrew Mukuba, who appears poised to make an immediate impact. Selected 64th overall, the Texas product has already shown promise during the team’s first open OTA practice, earning first-team reps alongside Sydney Brown and working with other safeties like Tristin McCollum and Lewis Cine. Mukuba’s range and coverage skills align perfectly with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s vision for his safeties, positioning him as the likeliest Day 1 contributor among the Eagles’ rookies. However, both Mukuba and first-round pick Jihaad Campbell, the 31st overall selection, remain unsigned, raising questions among fans. The delay, particularly for Mukuba, is not a cause for alarm but rather a calculated move tied to an unprecedented trend in the NFL’s second-round contract negotiations.
The root of the delay stems from a groundbreaking development in this year’s second-round market. Houston set a new precedent by signing the 34th overall pick, Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins, to a fully guaranteed contract—the first of its kind for a second-rounder. This move sent ripples through the draft class, with Cleveland following suit by fully guaranteeing the contract of UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger, the first pick of the second round. These deals have created a domino effect, as agents for other second-round picks are now pushing to extend full guarantees as far down the draft board as possible. Currently, 30 of the 32 second-round picks, including Mukuba, remain unsigned as negotiations hinge on this trend.
For Mukuba, the last pick of the second round, a fully guaranteed deal is unlikely. The NFL’s rookie wage scale operates on a slotting system, where contract values are largely predetermined based on draft position. However, the push for full guarantees higher in the round has slowed negotiations for players like Mukuba, as teams and agents await clarity on how far these guarantees will extend. A more realistic target for Mukuba’s camp might be securing partial guarantees, similar to last year’s precedent set by Houston offensive tackle Blake Fisher, who, at No. 59, secured full guarantees for three of his four rookie contract years.
Meanwhile, Jihaad Campbell’s unsigned status is less concerning. As a first-round pick, he is guaranteed a fully guaranteed contract, with negotiations likely centered on finer details like offset language or bonus payment schedules—common sticking points for later first-round selections. Campbell’s recovery from March labrum surgery adds another layer of complexity, as his timeline for clearance remains uncertain, potentially giving the Eagles additional leverage in finalizing terms.
The Eagles’ deliberate approach to these contracts reflects a broader league-wide strategy. With the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) virtually eliminating rookie holdouts, teams and agents have more flexibility to negotiate without risking training camp absences. For Mukuba, the wait is strategic, as his representatives aim to maximize guaranteed money within the constraints of his draft slot. As negotiations progress and the second-round market stabilizes, expect the Eagles to lock in both rookies, with Mukuba potentially emerging as a cornerstone of Fangio’s defense.