Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Reason for Patriots' Unsigned Second-Round Pick Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Douglas Santo | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The New England Patriots drafted running back TreyVeyon Henderson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The goal is for Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson to be the Patriots' backfield duo this season.

However, Henderson is one of the Patriots' draft picks who has yet to sign his rookie contract, and the issue seems to be the amount of guaranteed money involved.

Over the last few years, the amount of guaranteed money in players' contracts has grown and has been a vital negotiating factor due to the risk of injuries. At the running back position, it becomes even more important because of smaller salaries and a higher risk of injury.

In this year's NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans had the first two picks in the second round. Both teams gave out the first-ever fully guaranteed contracts to a second-round pick. That is what's complicated for the Patriots.

New England selected Henderson with the 38th overall pick, four picks after the Texans. The question is, how far will the trend go before a team doesn't offer a fully guaranteed rookie contract to a second-round pick?

However, despite his contract not being signed, Henderson has attended all team activities and participated. The reports out of the Patriots' camp have all been positive around the rookie running back.

TreVeyon Henderson has reportedly been one of the FASTEST players in OTA’s

➖4.43 40 Time (92nd Percentile)
➖0 Fumbles (667 Career Touches)

The top tier ball-security, elite blocking ability, and pass catching will lead to immense volume for TreVeyon

New England got their RB1 pic.twitter.com/hLqEVfjHYy
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) May 21, 2025

Henderson joins the Patriots after a stellar career at Ohio State. The Buckeye's running back ran for 3,761 yards and 42 touchdowns across his four years. He also showed his versatility out of the backfield, catching 77 passes for 853 yards and six touchdowns.

The Patriots' rookie won the National Championship with the Buckeyes in 2024 and led the Big 10 with 7.1 yards per carry.

Henderson has just under a month until training camp gets underway. Although he remains unsigned, there doesn't seem to be any doubt in New England.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: