Detroit Lions’ Second-Round Pick Remains Unsigned as Contract Negotiations Drag On With Training Camp Looming Closer Each Passing Day

The Detroit Lions’ offseason has been filled with momentum and optimism following their NFC Championship appearance, and expectations for the 2025 season are soaring. But amid the excitement and high hopes, a lingering concern continues to draw attention across the NFL landscape — their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has yet to sign his rookie contract. As of mid-June, with OTAs in the rearview and training camp approaching fast, the delay in getting this promising young player officially under contract is creating unnecessary tension in the Motor City.

This isn’t a simple clerical error or a case of paperwork stuck in a drawer. This is a calculated, strategic pause in negotiations — and both the team and the player’s representatives know exactly what’s at stake. While rookie contracts are largely slotted under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), there’s still room for negotiation in key areas: guaranteed money, signing bonuses, payout structure, and offset language. These details might seem minor, but they can mean millions over the course of a rookie deal — and, perhaps more importantly, impact the player’s long-term financial security and leverage.

The player in question? A highly touted, versatile contributor drafted with an eye on immediate impact. Detroit’s front office and coaching staff were effusive in their praise following the draft, citing the player’s high football IQ, work ethic, and scheme fit as major selling points. He was seen by many analysts as a first-round talent who slipped into the second round due to positional needs or team preferences — a gift that fell right into the Lions’ lap.

However, that kind of reputation — “first-round talent, second-round value” — often complicates negotiations. The player’s agent can argue that the draft position undervalues the player’s potential and that his deal should reflect something more aligned with late first-round selections. On the flip side, Detroit’s front office — headed by GM Brad Holmes — prides itself on culture, discipline, and cap management. Holmes isn’t known for bending under pressure, even for a top pick. This philosophical clash is what’s keeping pens off paper.

Historically, this isn’t unfamiliar territory for NFL teams, especially those with strong rosters looking to preserve long-term flexibility. The Lions, who are emerging as serious contenders in the NFC, are juggling the need to lock in young talent while maintaining financial health to retain or acquire veterans when the window to contend swings wide open. They’ve signed nearly their entire draft class already, and the delay with their second-round pick now sticks out like a sore thumb.

For the player, missing offseason work could slow development. While voluntary workouts aren’t mandatory, missing early reps — especially for a rookie expected to contribute immediately — could mean falling behind in learning the playbook, forming chemistry with teammates, and gaining the trust of the coaching staff. It’s a critical time for any rookie, and for a player expected to slot into rotational snaps or even start at some point, every rep matters.

Meanwhile, there’s growing unease among fans and analysts who can’t understand why a team on the cusp of greatness would risk an unnecessary holdout. Some believe this is a classic case of “over-negotiation,” a term used when the incremental gain being argued over may pale in comparison to what could be lost — particularly development time and goodwill. Others side with the player, understanding that the window to make money in the NFL is short and any opportunity to secure guarantees and protect against unforeseen circumstances should be seized without apology.

The Lions’ internal culture adds another layer to the story. Head coach Dan Campbell has built a locker room defined by grit, accountability, and collective buy-in. Rookies are expected to fall in line, earn their roles, and compete with humility and intensity. Any appearance of entitlement, even if it’s just a matter of contract logistics, can clash with the tone set inside Allen Park. While no one has suggested the rookie is intentionally holding out or making unreasonable demands, perception matters — especially in a place like Detroit where the climb to relevance has been long and steep.

Still, it’s worth noting that this isn’t unprecedented. In fact, several second-round picks across the NFL have faced similar delays in recent years due to the structure of contracts. The sticking points usually come down to guaranteed money in the third or fourth years of the deal. First-round picks automatically get four-year contracts with a fifth-year team option and fully guaranteed money. But for second-rounders, the contracts are only partially guaranteed — and that’s where agents focus their attention.

Offset language is another battleground. This legalese determines how much a team has to pay a player if they are cut and sign elsewhere. A player wants no offset language — meaning they can collect a full payout from the original team and a new salary from a new team. Teams prefer offsets, ensuring they don’t double-pay someone no longer on the roster. These nuances can drag out negotiations, especially when the player’s camp believes they hold enough leverage to fight for more.

Detroit’s brass may also be looking ahead. Signing this rookie within a specific structure could set a precedent for future second-round deals. If they bend now, future agents might use this contract as a baseline in negotiations, further complicating Detroit’s draft management strategy. That ripple effect — even if slight — is enough to make any front office tread carefully.

Of course, the clock is ticking. Training camp opens soon, and while the difference of a few hundred thousand dollars may not feel monumental in the grand scheme of a $255 million salary cap, the symbolic cost is growing. Detroit fans are some of the most passionate and long-suffering in the league. The idea of a rookie, especially one expected to contribute quickly, being unavailable due to contractual fine print will only inflame concerns as July approaches.

There’s also the potential for injury replacements and depth concerns if things aren’t resolved quickly. Football is a war of attrition. Depth is everything. If Detroit drafted this player with the expectation of him being an injury contingency or a key rotation piece, his absence could strain other parts of the roster. One domino can topple several others.

The solution? It’s likely not far off. Despite the optics and frustration, these deals usually get done before training camp begins in earnest. Both sides want this player in camp. The Lions want to maximize their draft investment and plug the rookie into a system that clearly values smart, tough football. The player wants to prove his worth, earn his role, and — most importantly — start earning NFL checks. With mutual benefit so obvious, compromise feels inevitable.

Yet, the fact that it has taken this long suggests deeper negotiations than the typical rookie deal requires. Whether this sets off alarm bells or is just another chapter in the evolution of NFL contracts depends on how soon resolution arrives. A quick signing next week, and all of this becomes a footnote. A protracted standoff into July or August? That’s a headline — one the Lions can’t afford as they chase a Super Bowl dream.

In the end, the Detroit Lions are a franchise trying to shed decades of underachievement. They’ve built something real. Something formidable. But details matter, and championships are won in the margins. That includes getting draft picks signed, aligned, and ready to compete. Until this second-round pick signs his name on the dotted line, a small but significant shadow hangs over an otherwise glowing offseason in the Motor City.