As the 2025 NFL season inches closer, an unusual contract standoff has quietly taken center stage across the league—and the Buffalo Bills are right in the middle of it.
While most offseason headlines in Buffalo have centered around James Cook’s contract situation, there’s another lingering issue fans should be watching: rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders still hasn’t signed his rookie deal.
And he’s not alone.
Only 2 of 32 Second-Round Picks Have Signed
As of late June, only two second-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft have signed their contracts, leaving 30—including Sanders—still in limbo. This widespread delay isn’t just about front office foot-dragging or players being difficult. Instead, it stems from a deeper issue: guaranteed money expectations are shifting.
The situation began when the Houston Texans gave Jayden Higgins a fully guaranteed contract, a rare move for a second-rounder. The Cleveland Browns followed suit with Carson Schwesinger, igniting a wave of expectations from other players and agents.
Now, second-rounders across the league—including T.J. Sanders—are waiting to see if similar contract terms will become the new standard.
The Tyler Shough Effect
Adding to the complexity is the case of Tyler Shough, a quarterback drafted one pick before Sanders at No. 40 by the New Orleans Saints. Shough is reportedly demanding a fully guaranteed deal under the belief he’ll start Week 1 after the retirement of veteran QB Derek Carr.
Quarterbacks often have more leverage in negotiations, and Shough’s demands have created a ripple effect. Agents for players drafted before and after him are watching closely, hoping for a new financial precedent. Sanders, selected 41st by Buffalo, could benefit if Shough’s contract includes enhanced guarantees—particularly in the elusive fourth year.
What This Means for the Bills
The Bills, like many teams, are in wait-and-see mode. Rookie contracts are largely set by the CBA, but there’s still some wiggle room—especially with guaranteed money. Unfortunately for Buffalo, the clock is ticking: rookies can’t participate in training camp without a signed contract.
If Sanders’ holdout extends into camp, it could open the door for second-year DT DeWayne Carter to make an early impact. Carter, a 2024 third-round pick, missed significant time last season due to wrist surgery. He’s now healthy and ready to prove himself—and a prolonged absence from Sanders would give him more reps and exposure.
The Bigger Picture
While it’s mildly reassuring that this isn’t a Bills-specific issue, it doesn’t make the uncertainty any easier. Teams across the league are juggling second-round standoffs, all thanks to a few early signings and one quarterback’s high-stakes gamble.
The hope in Buffalo is clear: Sanders gets his deal done soon, joins camp on time, and competes alongside Carter to strengthen what could be a quietly dangerous defensive line rotation. After all, competition breeds success—and that’s exactly what the Bills want as they look to reload for another postseason push.
Final Thoughts
This unusual offseason storyline has taken root around the league, but its impact in Buffalo is especially important. T.J. Sanders may be one signature away from becoming a big part of the Bills' defensive future, but for now, his contract status remains one of the most important questions heading into camp.
Stay tuned—this one could get resolved quickly… or drag out longer than anyone expected.
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