Jayden Higgins Becomes First 2nd-Round Pick with Fully Guaranteed Rookie Deal
Jayden Higgins just made NFL history. The wide receiver out of Iowa State, who was selected by the Houston Texans with the 34th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has signed a four-year contract worth $11.7 million. What sets this deal apart is not just the money. It is that the entire contract is fully guaranteed. That has never happened before for a second-round pick. This move shows that things might be changing in how teams handle rookie contracts.
Breaking Ground With Guaranteed Money
Until now, fully guaranteed contracts in the NFL have mostly been reserved for first-round picks. Even then, the guarantees often taper off toward the end of the first round. For a player taken early in the second round to get this kind of deal is unusual. It is more than that. It is a first. Higgins will receive all $11.7 million of his rookie deal regardless of how things go over the next four years. More than $5.1 million of that amount comes as a signing bonus.
The Texans made this choice for a reason. The team is confident that Higgins can contribute right away. They have some holes at wide receiver. Stefon Diggs left during the offseason. Tank Dell, another key player, is recovering from an injury. That leaves a big opportunity for someone like Higgins to step in and make an impact. At 6-foot-4 and around 214 pounds, Higgins has the physical build to compete with NFL defenders from day one.
College Career Showed Signs of NFL Talent
Higgins did not start at a “Power Five” school. He began his college career at Eastern Kentucky. He later transferred to Iowa State, where he had his breakout season. In his final year, he caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and scored nine touchdowns. He earned All-American honors for his performance. That kind of production is difficult to ignore.
His route running is solid, and his hands are reliable. He also knows how to use his body to shield defenders. These skills helped him succeed in college and are part of why the Texans saw him as a player worth investing in. Coaches believe he can help stretch the field and give the quarterback a big target, especially in red zone situations.
Some analysts thought he might go late in the first round. Others saw him as an early second-round selection. Either way, the Texans believed he was worth the pick, but the financial commitment that followed.
What Does This Mean?
This contract might change the way second-round picks are viewed. Fully guaranteed deals at this level are almost unheard of. It could be that this is a one-time event. Or it could be the start of a trend where more players begin to push for similar deals. The Texans are hoping the investment pays off. If Higgins becomes a productive wide receiver for them, then this risk will look smart in hindsight. If not, it will still be remembered as a bold step in NFL contract history.
Now, the pressure will be on Higgins to live up to the expectations. He has the physical tools and college resume to back it up. Whether that translates to professional success remains to be seen, but his journey is already off to a historic start. Only time will tell if Jayden Higgins lives up to the investment, but the Texans are giving him every chance to succeed.
The fully guaranteed contract speaks louder than words. It says they believe in him now, not later. That kind of vote of confidence can do something for a player. It can light a fire. Or it can create pressure. Either way, Higgins is stepping into the NFL with a spotlight on him. How he responds might shape more than just his career.
