Tyler Shough Opens Up About Ongoing Holdout Situation
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough is at the heart of the NFL’s current holdout discussions.
The holdout, involving second-round picks like Shough, isn’t due to player demands or team disagreements, but rather a procedural issue related to the draft order. So far, only the top two second-round picks have signed contracts, leaving others, including Shough, stuck in limbo as they negotiate guaranteed money. The delay is a result of second-round players and their agents not wanting to accept lower guaranteed figures, fearing it could set a bad precedent for future deals.
This holdout situation even affected the Los Angeles Chargers last week when second-round pick Tre Harris, a former Ole Miss wide receiver, was the only player absent from camp due to an unsigned contract.
Though the term “holdout” is being used to describe Harris, Shough, and others, it’s a bit misleading. These players aren’t holding out by choice but are waiting for earlier draft picks to finalize their contracts, so they can use that as leverage in their own negotiations. Shough, selected 40th overall, remains optimistic that a deal will be reached soon, as he told NOLA.com’s Matthew Paras in a recent interview.
“We’re just kind of seeing where things lie,” Shough said. “There’s not a demand or anything — obviously, you’re super optimistic. It’s just part of the process, so we’ll see.”
Shough, no doubt eager to join his teammates, is also competing for the starting quarterback role. The timeline for a resolution hinges on the first unsigned pick, Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (No. 35 overall). Once Emmanwori’s contract is finalized, Shough and other players are expected to quickly follow suit. Saints fans, along with Shough, are hoping the situation will be resolved soon.
No Comment! Be the first one.