The NFL has made significant progress in draft signings compared to last year. Teams have successfully navigated the challenges presented by guarantee issues with second-round contracts in recent years. In contrast to 2023, when 30 players were unsigned in late June and nearly half of the second round lacked contracts entering July, only 10 rookies from the 2024 class remain unsigned. Here is the list of players still without NFL contracts:

Round 1:

Round 2:

Round 3:

The most noticeable difference between this year and last year is in the second round. By June 17, 2023, half of the second-round picks were still unsigned. The introduction of the slot system in the 2011 CBA has removed much of the drama from rookie-deal negotiations, but second-round picks continue to make gains in guarantees. This has been a complicating factor in the past for teams, but this year, that has not been the case for the most part.

Several 2021 second-round picks are still under their rookie deals, showing the improvements second-round draft picks have made in guarantee gains. Comparing deals, this year’s contracts show significant increases in guarantees compared to previous years. For example, the Bills had to guarantee a considerable portion of Keon Coleman’s rookie contract. Coleman has three years of guaranteed money and a significant portion of his 2027 base salary is guaranteed. The Texans’ Blake Fisher, the No. 59 overall pick this year, secured more guaranteed money in his fourth year compared to Tyson Campbell’s contract.

There is a notable difference in final-year guarantees between players like Coleman and Ruke Orhorhoro, the Falcons DT drafted at No. 35. Orhorhoro only has a portion of his 2024 base salary guaranteed. This difference in guarantees may be causing delays in contract negotiations, as seen with the Chargers and McConkey. McConkey is expected to play a major role in the Chargers’ offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, making fully guaranteed contracts for top players in Round 2 a significant milestone.

Since 2022, first-round contracts have been fully guaranteed, with players like Lewis Cine setting the precedent. However, issues like offset language can still slow down negotiations. With the risk of losing an accrued season towards free agency under the 2020 CBA, rookies no longer hold out into training camp. This year’s top third-round picks, Corley and Benson, have also made progress in negotiations. The 49ers provided Renardo Green, the No. 64 overall pick, with two fully guaranteed years, possibly causing delays for the Jets and Cardinals as they negotiate contracts similar to earlier draftees.