The Patriots' offseason has surprisingly gone off with a hitch for new head coach Mike Vrabel, which is an unexpected development considering how deep in hot water the team was just a few months ago. A successful free agency and impressive draft class, followed by a headline-worthy minicamp, can quickly turn things around, and that's how the team will return to Foxboro in just a few weeks.
They will encounter one problem, though, that has continued to persist despite the efforts made over the past couple of months. Second-round pick, [running back TreVeyon Henderson, remains unsigned](https://musketfire.com/rookie-s-new-comp-proves-patriots-were-right-not-to-trade-down-in-nfl-draft-01jvmjj6h0tz) for the 2025 season, becoming the only rookie the Patriots are yet to sign.
Although it's not the end of the world and there's no indication that a deal won't be signed, the new regime having to worry about getting the deal done is an unnecessary distraction that should have been addressed long before training camp begins.
Based on how Henderson's "hold out" is continuing a pattern across the league, there doesn't look like there is an end in sight, either.
The Patriots need to get a deal done with TreVeyon Henderson ASAP
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The Patriots have a big order to get situated before the roster returns for training camp on the 21st, and that is to negotiate Henderson's contract as soon as possible. They face the unfortunate reality of 30 other second-round picks remaining unsigned by their new teams, with analysts assuming it's all for the same reason: they want fully guaranteed contracts.
That's presumably what stands between Henderson and the Patriots in getting their deal done, and based on how things are going across the league, it's hard to say this will be handled swiftly.
The fully-guaranteed contract has become a precedent set by two of the first second-rounders receiving that kind of deal from their teams, so as expected, every other rookie seeks the same. That could pose an issue for the Patriots if they don't want to invest that kind of money in an unproven talent, but at the same time, it shouldn't be something that hinders an agreement.
It's an avoidable distraction that needs to be addressed before training camp begins, allowing the new regime to operate as much as business as usual as possible. Not to mention, Henderson might be unproven in the NFL, but [he's already shown to be an explosive player in practices](https://musketfire.com/treveyon-henderson-s-minicamp-showing-might-change-patriots-backfield-plans-01jxjktpqqyk) and projected to have an incredible rookie season, which should make it easier to offer the kind of contract he's looking for.
Furthermore, this is the kind of precedent that is likely to continue moving forward, as many future draft picks will likely seek the same thing. Although that's not great for the pockets of team owners, it will inevitably become the standard eventually, so why not deal with it now?
Regardless, Vrabel and Co. need to settle this as quickly as possible so training camp can go smoothly and without any distractions that could have been handled beforehand.
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