And then there was one: the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves on the brink of wrapping up their 2025 NFL Draft class, with all but one selection under contract—the hard-hitting defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott. What could have been a routine signing process has turned into a bit of a standoff, and it’s important for fans to understand why this situation might not be as straightforward as you’d expect.
Typically, rookie contracts in the NFL get signed in a flash. Thanks to the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the Players Association, the financials are largely predetermined, allowing teams and players to get right to business without much fuss. However, this year, there’s an interesting twist that’s adding some tension to contract negotiations, especially for second-round picks.
Here’s the scoop: second-round selections have traditionally not had guaranteed contracts. But that changed recently when the Houston Texans set a new precedent by signing wide receiver Jayden Higgins, picked at No. 34 overall, to a guaranteed deal. The Cleveland Browns followed suit with linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who was chosen just one pick later. It’s no surprise that other players in this pool of second-round talent, like Norman-Lott, are now eyeing similar guarantees as they finalize their rookie contracts.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the implications for the Chiefs. Norman-Lott was selected at No. 63—technically a second-round pick but with a context that makes things a bit sticky. The Chiefs faced some scrutiny for what many considered a “reach” in that round, and as a result, they might be hesitant to extend the same kind of guaranteed financial commitment to Norman-Lott that players who were picked earlier are now expecting.
The organization clearly values Norman-Lott, recognizing his potential as a game-changing defensive tackle in what has often been a thin position behind superstar Chris Jones. Yet, the question remains: will the Chiefs commit to a guaranteed deal for a player who was drafted significantly later than his peers who have already secured such contracts?
As it stands, with the rest of the Kansas City draft class already signed, the spotlight shines squarely on Norman-Lott. Is the absence of a contract due to the complexities surrounding guaranteed money? Or is there another element at play? Fans will be eagerly watching as the Chiefs work to bring their promising defensive gem into the fold. The resolution could set a new tone for how second-round picks are handled moving forward, especially in a league that’s constantly evolving its financial landscape.
