As training camp nears, Indianapolis Colts’ second-round pick JT Tuimoloau still remains unsigned.
Across the NFL right now, when it comes to second-round picks, that is the norm.
At this time, only two second-round selections are currently under contract. Carson Schwesinger, who was taken at pick 33, and Jayden Higgins, taken at pick 34, have both agreed to fully guaranteed deals. Every other pick remains unsigned currently.
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When it comes to rookie contracts, in general, there often isn’t a ton of room for negotiating. The rookie wage scale puts a ceiling and floor in place for how much a player can earn on their first contract based on where they were selected.
However, where there is negotiating wiggle room is in how much of the deal is guaranteed. Over the years, a larger percentage of the contracts for second-round picks have become guaranteed, and with Schwesinger and Higgins each earning that, other second-round selections–at least at the top half–are likely looking for the same deal, or close to it.
Tuimoloau was the 45th pick overall, about right in the middle of the second round. Typically, there is a bit of a domino effect when it comes to these deals getting done with the earlier selections often laying the framework for what other contracts will look like.
How this could impact training camps for these unsigned players–if it gets to that point–still remains to be seen, as Adam Schefter alludes to.
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The Colts’ rookies will report for training camp on July 21st, the veterans on July 22nd, and the first practice will take place on July 23rd.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ rookie JT Tuimoloau still unsigned with training camp near