ESPN REPORTS: “Contract Clock Ticking: Packers Hope to Have Another Veteran Superstar for First Practice

 

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers rookies are set to report for training camp on Saturday, with their first practice scheduled for Wednesday. One key question remains: will second-round draft pick Anthony Belton finalize his contract in time to join his teammates on day one?

 

Belton is among a group of second-round selections who remain unsigned due to an ongoing contract standoff. However, progress was made earlier this week when the San Francisco 49ers signed defensive tackle Alfred Collins, creating optimism for the rest of the unsigned players.

 

The contract holdup stems largely from negotiations surrounding New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, drafted 40th overall. The domino effect began when Houston Texans receiver Jayden Higgins, taken 34th, secured a fully guaranteed four-year contract—the first second-rounder to achieve this. Shough, despite being drafted six spots later, is seeking the same guarantee as Higgins, stalling progress for players selected after him.

 

Alfred Collins’ deal, however, may have broken the stalemate. Drafted 43rd overall, Collins signed a four-year contract worth approximately $10.3 million, with 88% of it guaranteed. That percentage matches what last year’s 35th pick, Falcons defensive end Ruke Orhorhoro, received—effectively setting a new benchmark.

For Belton, the 54th overall pick, these numbers could translate to a contract slightly over $8 million, with roughly $5.93 million guaranteed if the percentages hold. That would be a significant increase over last year’s No. 54 pick, Browns defensive tackle Michael Hall, who had only 61.9% of his contract guaranteed.

 

Currently, aside from the top two picks in the second round, Collins is the only player from this year’s group to sign his rookie deal. League insiders believe the rest of the second round will now fall into place quickly as teams align guarantees with Collins’ contract.

 

Belton, who played left tackle at North Carolina State, spent offseason workouts with Green Bay practicing at right tackle and right guard. As a second-round selection, the Packers are eager to see him compete for a starting job on the offensive line—particularly at right guard, where he could challenge returning starter Sean Rhyan.

 

Finalizing his deal before Wednesday’s practice would allow Belton to fully integrate into training camp and stake his claim for a starting role on a line looking to protect franchise quarterback Jordan Love in 2025.