The Colts have an uncomfortable situation on their hands that could cause headaches during training camp if it isn't resolved

We are a week away from the Indianapolis Colts reporting for training camp, and one of their selections in the 2025 NFL Draft remains unsigned. The Colts, like the majority of the NFL, have been unable to sign their second round pick (J.T. Tuimoloau) from this past draft, due to an unpopular decision by the Houston […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of Indianapolis Colts helmets during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
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We are a week away from the Indianapolis Colts reporting for training camp, and one of their selections in the 2025 NFL Draft remains unsigned

The Colts, like the majority of the NFL, have been unable to sign their second round pick (J.T. Tuimoloau) from this past draft, due to an unpopular decision by the Houston Texans. The Texans' decision to give Jayden Higgins the first ever fully guaranteed contract for a second round pick has caused a massive standstill on the market. Only one team has followed suit so far, with the Cleveland Browns doing the same to get LB Carson Schwesinger to sign on the dotted line. The rest of the league hasn't budged yet, and we officially have our first player from this group holding out of the start of training camp in Tre Harris of the Los Angeles Chargers. Which makes you wonder, could the Colts be in store for a similar fate, if J.T. Tuimoloau remains unsigned when training camp kicks off? 


Colts' second round pick J.T. Tuimoloau remains unsigned, with training camp quickly approaching 

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) celebrates a tackle against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Colts report for training camp a week from today, and many will be watching to see if Tuimoloau is there with the rest of his teammates, or if he follows Harris' lead and begins a holdout. The Colts have had players hold out in training camp in the past, and it can certainly cause some uncomfortable tension. Sometimes, fans turn on said players, thinking they are causing unnecessary drama. If Tuimoloau chose to hold out, though, I personally don't feel like it should be held against him.

The first reason is that I don't think it should be expected of him or any rookie to suit up and practice in training camp without a signed contract. Risking your body without that guarantee from your team doesn't seem like a good business decision. This situation is also not Tuimoloau's fault; the Texans' choice has upset the entire market, and you can't blame these players and their representatives for wanting to see if other teams across the league will blink in negotiations. On the bright side, this situation has been ongoing throughout OTAS and minicamp, and it hasn't stopped Tuimoloau from participating in practice and other off-the-field activities with the team, which could be a good sign that he won't join Harris as a holdout candidate. The Colts and the rest of the league chose to use premium draft capital on Tuimoloau and the rest of the second round selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they need to do everything they can to get these contracts signed before training camp. Even if that means doing something they've never done and giving a second round pick a fully guaranteed deal.