The Seattle Seahawks have officially signed safety Nick Emmanwori to a fully guaranteed rookie contract, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This contract marks a significant moment in the evolving landscape of rookie contracts in the NFL, particularly for second-round picks.
Emmanwori’s signing comes as one of several recent agreements among second-round draft selections for the 2025 season, which had seen a delay due to negotiations about guaranteed money. Traditionally, fully guaranteed contracts were reserved for first-round picks, but the trend has begun to shift after this year’s draft. In notable examples, the Houston Texans signed second-round rookie Jayden Higgins to a guaranteed four-year contract valued at $11.7 million, followed by the Cleveland Browns with linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
With Emmanwori’s deal finalized, all players picked within the top three spots of the second round now have guaranteed contracts, signaling a new norm in the league. Emmanwori, who had a standout junior season at South Carolina—recording 88 tackles, four interceptions, and three tackles for loss—will aim to make an immediate impact on the Seahawks’ secondary. The Seahawks ranked 11th in the NFL last season, allowing 211.9 passing yards per game, suggesting that Emmanwori could be a valuable addition.
This progress signifies hope for future second-rounders as the NFL evolves towards more equitable contract agreements. The decision to provide guaranteed contracts to lower-round picks helps to secure financial stability for rookies as they transition into professional football.