Seattle Seahawks fans can oddly thank the San Francisco 49ers for making it easier to sign their final remaining holdout for their 2025 rookie class. 10 of the 11 choices had signed, with the second-round picks waiting until the end in hopes of getting fully guaranteed contracts. Safety Nick Emmanwori was able to do that. Tight end Elijah Arroyo was not.
Arroyo's negotiations were hurt by the 49ers signing number 43 selection, Alfred Collins, to only a mostly fully guaranteed deal. This meant number 50 pick, Arroyo, was unlikely to get a fully guaranteed deal either.
The tight end and his agent already knew how much his rookie deal would be worth, as all draft selections are slotted before the draft occurs. The number 50 pick was going to receive a four-year deal for a maximum of $8.26 million, with a signing bonus of around $1.5 million. The only guaranteed amount before signing is the bonus.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo signs his rookie contract
Arroyo's contract is for four years and $8.813 million deal, including $6.872 million fully guaranteed. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the agreement.
Seahawks signed second-round pick, TE Elijah Arroyo, to a four-year, $8.813 million deal, including $6.872 million fully guaranteed, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Shawn O’Dare.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 18, 2025
Arroyo, if fully healthy, is expected to make an immediate impact on the Seahawks' offense. He is 6'5" and 250 pounds with elite speed. He might need to put him some work to become a better blocker, but he should be a productive receiving threat early in his career.
The Seahawks' new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, uses a lot of two-tight end sets in his formations, which means, as opposed to previous seasons, there is an onus on the tight end group to be good receivers as well as contribute in the run game. Versatility to the group is key.
Noah Fant is more of a pure receiver, but has not produced as much as many thought he might. His best season for Seattle in three years with the team is only 500 yards. He also has only one touchdown catch in the last two years combined. He is entering the final year of his current deal with the Seahawks.
AJ Barner proved to be a better receiver than expected as a rookie last season, and he is a solid blocker. He might see the most snaps of any tight end because he can do two things well instead of just one.
Arroyo might see a lot of reps because he is such an explosive receiver. If he proves to the coaching staff he can block well, too, he might never leave the field.