The Chargers are the first team in the NFL to open up training camp as they’re set to play in the first preseason game of the season against the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. One notable absence, though, is second-round wide receiver Tre Harris from Ole Miss, who was taken with the 55th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
May 20, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers receiver Tre Harris (9) looks on during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Currently, 29 out of 32 second-round picks remain unsigned, as Houston Texans WR Jayden Higgins (4yrs/11.7mil) and Cleveland Browns LB Carson Schwesinger (4yrs/11.8mil) both signed fully guaranteed contracts. This is what Tre Harris’ holdout stems from, as he seeks a contract structure similar to that of his fellow rookies from this draft class.
This isn’t the first time this regime has come to a roadblock with their second-round selection. Rookie phenom Ladd McConkey, whom the Chargers took 34th overall out of Georgia last year, was the final member of the nine-man draft class. The two sides ultimately agreed to a 4-year $9.9 million deal, with $9.1 million or 91.9% of the contract guaranteed. It was the most guaranteed money at the time for the 34th overall pick.
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa (97) reacts after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) (not pictured) in the first quarter in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Another notable rookie holdout the Chargers have dealt with in the past is Joey Bosa, whom the team selected with the third overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The new Buffalo Bills defensive end held out for 31 days at the time, missing training camp and all three preseason games that season.
He and the front office had disputes over offset language and the signing bonus he would receive. The feud was finally resolved when Bosa signed a 4-year $25.8 million fully guaranteed contract, with a $17 million signing bonus. It was the most substantial signing bonus the Chargers have ever given to a player, regardless of whether they were a veteran or a rookie.
Although lacking the high draft pedigree that Bosa had, Harris will undoubtedly be looking to earn as much as possible, especially given the high injury risk associated with the sport.
Neither side truly wants to be placed in this situation. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman and the coaching staff lose valuable time working with Harris to install plays and gain a better understanding of how and where to utilize him on offense.
The rookie, on the other hand, will get fewer snaps to fine-tune his chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert and will have to play catch-up in terms of physical fitness and familiarity with the playbook.
Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Tre Harris (9) hauls in a touchdown pass during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 23, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
Even though Harris’ houldout made waves as the first rookie to officially do so, it’s only a matter of “when”, not “if,” General Manager Joe Hortiz and the front office get this deal done with their newly acquired receiver.
With the 49ers’ second-rounder and 43rd overall pick, DT Alfred Collins signing a 4-year $10.2 million deal, with $9 million (88%) in guaranteed money, Harris and the rest of the second-round picks should follow suit. His deal should fall around the 70% mark in terms of guaranteed money, with the signing bonus and base contract all but set due to the NFL rookie wage scale.
The 55th overall pick will be looking to replace the starting X receiver role that was held by longtime Charger Mike Williams, who just announced his retirement from the NFL. He should return to the field sooner rather than later and take advantage of the opportunity left by Williams and make a case to be a starting receiver for this team.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
