The Tennessee Titans have made significant progress in finalizing contracts with their 2025 NFL Draft class, successfully reaching agreements with eight out of their nine picks. Among those signed is the highly anticipated No. 1 overall selection, quarterback Cam Ward, who has officially committed to a four-year rookie deal. The lone unsigned player is second-round edge rusher Femi Oladejo, whose contract situation remains unresolved — but for reasons largely beyond the Titans’ direct control.
This delay stems from recent developments across the NFL that have disrupted the normal flow of second-round negotiations. The ripple effect began when the Houston Texans made headlines by offering Jayden Higgins, the 34th overall pick, a fully guaranteed contract — a rare and groundbreaking move. Shortly after, the Cleveland Browns did the same with their pick at No. 33, linebacker Carson Schwesinger. These unusual decisions by both franchises have upended traditional second-round negotiations, effectively stalling discussions for the rest of the draft picks in that round — including Oladejo.
Currently, no second-round picks have signed due to this newly set precedent, as agents and teams alike wait to see how the rest of the market adjusts. Despite the contract not being finalized, Oladejo has maintained full participation in rookie minicamp, voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), and mandatory minicamp. The ongoing negotiations have not posed a distraction, as both sides appear content to wait for further clarity around contract structures.
Ironically, the Titans were initially slated to select 35th overall — the very pick that followed Schwesinger and Higgins — but they traded down to No. 52 in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, gaining an extra third-round selection. Seattle used that pick to draft safety Nick Emmanwori, who, notably, is also unsigned, further emphasizing the widespread impact of the Texans’ and Browns’ actions.
Oladejo and his representatives may be inclined to argue that fully guaranteed contracts should apply to all second-round selections, not just the earliest ones. Meanwhile, the Titans may counter that such deals should be limited to the top of the round. A key point of interest will be how players drafted around Oladejo — like Nic Scourton (No. 51) and Benjamin Morrison (No. 53) — are compensated. The outcome of those negotiations could ultimately shape what Oladejo receives.
Though rookie contracts are governed by the CBA, key components — including language, guarantees, and voiding clauses — remain negotiable. As seen with the Cincinnati Bengals’ ongoing standoff with first-rounder Shemar Stewart, disputes over terms continue to surface even under a structured system.
The Titans are expected to aim for a resolution before training camp begins, setting an informal deadline for new GM Mike Borgonzi. Given Oladejo’s positive attitude and encouraging early impressions, both sides are optimistic a deal will get done. It now becomes a waiting game, as future signings across the second round may ultimately dictate how — and when — an agreement is reached.
