In a matter of about 14 hours, the Seattle Seahawks have gone from having neither of their 2025 second-round NFL Draft picks signed to having their entire draft class under contract.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday morning that tight end Elijah Arroyo, the No. 50 overall pick in April’s draft, has signed a four-year, $8.813 million contract with the Seahawks, with $6.872 million guaranteed.
Former Seahawks WR: TE Elijah Arroyo ‘just blew me away’
The report of Arroyo’s signing comes after reports Thursday night that safety Nick Emmanwori, the No. 35 overall pick and third pick of the second round, signed a fully guaranteed rookie contract with Seattle.
The league found itself in uncharted territory with contracts for second-round draft selections this year. Houston signed wide receiver Jayden Higgins, the No. 34 overall pick and second pick of the second round, to a fully guaranteed rookie deal, which was the first time ever for a player taken in the second round. The Cleveland Browns followed suit with linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who was taken No. 33 overall, by signing him to a fully guaranteed contract.
That left the Seahawks as the next domino to fall with Emmanwori. Arroyo remained unsigned as well, likely with his representation waiting to see what would happen with Emmanwori.
Related: The Seahawks’ sticky situation with second-round picks
While Seahawks training camp doesn’t start until July 23, rookies were due to report to team headquarters in Renton on Tuesday. Emmanwori and Arroyo were noticeably absent from social media posts by the Seahawks this week, while Arroyo shared a post Tuesday from a training facility at his alma mater, the University of Miami.
Arroyo could end up being a steal for the Seahawks, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said “multiple teams” had him “as a top 20-25 overall talent in the draft.” He instead was taken in the middle of the second round due to “durability concerns” after missing parts of two seasons in college at Miami with a torn ACL.
In 2024, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Arroyo made 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven TDs in 13 games. His led all FBS tight ends (minimum 20 catches) with 16.9 yard per reception and earned second-team All-ACC honors.
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