Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Houston Texans Still Have One NFL Draft Pick Without Contract

Originally posted on Houston Texans on SI | By Jared Koch | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:45 PM ET

The Houston Texans have all but one of their draft picks from this summer signed onto their rookie deals for the season ahead.

Following the recent signing of Texans' second-rounder Jayden Higgins to his respective rookie deal, the only selection from April who is without a contract is Houston's other second-round pick in Aireontae Ersery.

Ersery is among 30 of 32 second-rounders who remained unsigned with a deal, due to the inner workings of guaranteed money with second-round contracts. One of those signees is his teammate Higgins, while the other is Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger.

Ersery was brought into the Texans' offensive line with big expectations to fill in as Houston's long-term fixture as C.J. Stroud's blindside protector following their blockbuster trade to send Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. It's nothing short of big shoes to fill, but for a powerful and physical 6-foot-6, 330-plus pound tackle like Ersery, he might literally be the one to do it.

The #Texans and rookie WR Jayden Higgins have agreed to a fully guaranteed 4-year $11,700,824 contract, per Higgins' agent Chris Cabott of @EquitySports.

Higgins is the first 2nd round pick in NFL history to have a fully guaranteed contract.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 8, 2025

The holdup shouldn't be expected to last much longer into the offseason. Any unsigned rookie can participate in OTAs and minicamps on limited deals, but needs a deal signed by training camp to suit up in those team activities.

This article first appeared on Houston Texans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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