Four NFL rookies yet to sign first contract
By Brian Miller
The start of training camp for most teams is about 10 days away, give or take a day or two. For example the Miami Dolphins start their camp on the 24th with players rolling in a night or two before. Across the NFL, fans are finally going to be rewarded for their off-season patience. Is it me or did the delay in the NFL Draft help make this off-season seem shorter? O.k. maybe it’s just me.
More from Cleveland Browns
- Browns release 2022 draft pick after allegations he threatened a woman
- Browns wave white flag against the Steelers months ahead of time
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?
- NFL rumors: DeAndre Hopkins reunion with former quarterback off the table
Reward is a good word to use for the purpose of this article as fans are rewarded for their off-season patience, some rookies are still waiting on their first contract. In fact, four players from this years draft have yet to sign.
The Cleveland Browns have yet to sign cornerback Justin Gilbert. Perhaps they are hoping the NFL will allow them a redo and are awaiting an answer. In hindsight they may have opted for a wide-receiver instead. Gilbert was taken eighth overall in last May’s draft and is the highest draft pick yet to be signed. He isn’t the lone first rounder.
First round pick and 11th overall selection Taylor Lewan is still unsigned. The Titans drafted the Michigan left tackle to shore up a shaky offensive line but if they can’t get Lewan into camp on time, it will remain, well, shaky.
The next unsigned player belongs to the Jacksonville Jaguars who have yet to sign first round talent Marqise Lee. Lee was actually taken in round two with the 39th overall selection. That’s the seventh pick in round two. The Jaguars drafted two wide-outs in round two taking Allen Robinson late in the round. Too far apart to hold over Lee I’m afraid.
It would be a big surprise if any of the unsigned incoming rookies were not signed by the start of their camps. The new CBA’s included rookie cap structure was supposed to eliminate holdouts. It’s likely that by weeks end we see all four players signed and ready to go.