Ravens Rookie Mike Green Becomes One of Few Second-Round Picks to Officially Sign NFL Contract Before Training Camp Deadline

The Baltimore Ravens are known for their ability to spot talent and build depth through the NFL Draft. In 2025, that tradition may have struck gold again with rookie outside linebacker Mike Green, who has officially inked his rookie deal with the team—making him one of the few second-round selections league-wide to finalize a contract before training camp begins.

The former Michigan State standout agreed to terms on his four-year rookie deal this week, ending any speculation about a potential holdout. Green, the 52nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, becomes one of only a handful of second-round picks to sign ahead of the league’s unofficial deadline, which is the start of team-wide training camps later this month. His deal is projected to be worth approximately $7.4 million with a signing bonus of just over $2.3 million.

For the Ravens, this signing marks more than just paperwork. It ensures that one of their most promising rookies can hit the ground running as Baltimore aims to build on last season’s playoff run and make a serious push for the Super Bowl. General Manager Eric DeCosta praised the move, calling it “a big step in our offseason strategy and a sign of Mike’s commitment to the organization.”

Green’s path to Baltimore is rooted in persistence and production. At Michigan State, the 6-foot-4, 251-pound linebacker developed a reputation for terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. He recorded 9.5 sacks in his final collegiate season and showcased elite athleticism at the NFL Combine with a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical leap. Those traits, combined with his football IQ and versatility, made him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ defensive scheme.

What stood out most to Baltimore’s front office was Green’s relentless motor and adaptability. He can rush the passer off the edge, drop back in coverage, and play with the type of controlled aggression that defensive coordinator Zach Orr prizes in his players. Orr, who is entering his second season as DC, made it clear that Green would be given every opportunity to earn immediate playing time.

“We’re not bringing Mike along slowly,” Orr said during minicamp. “He’s got the physical tools, he’s got the mindset, and now he’s got the contract. It’s time for him to go to work.”

That work began long before Green signed the dotted line. During organized team activities and rookie minicamp, he impressed coaches with his maturity and preparation. Veteran pass rushers like Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo have already taken him under their wing, helping Green adapt to the speed and complexity of the pro game. According to inside sources, he’s been one of the most attentive players in meetings and has already earned praise from the linebacker room for his eagerness to absorb information.

“I knew it was going to be fast, I knew it was going to be tough,” Green said earlier this summer. “But I also knew I belonged here. This is the kind of team I always wanted to be a part of—tough, disciplined, physical. I’m just ready to help however I can.”

That attitude has endeared him to the fan base as well. Ravens supporters, notorious for their deep football knowledge and high expectations for defensive playmakers, have flooded social media with optimism about Green’s potential. Some have even drawn early comparisons to past Baltimore greats like Terrell Suggs and Matthew Judon—not for what Green has already done, but for how he carries himself and the raw tools he brings to the field.

Still, the journey is just beginning. With training camp around the corner, Green will be battling for snaps in a crowded linebacker group that also features Malik Harrison, Tavius Robinson, and veteran Kyle Van Noy, who re-signed on a one-year deal to provide experience and depth. The competition is expected to be fierce, but the Ravens are betting on Green’s blend of explosiveness, character, and coachability to rise to the top.

“He’s going to hit some bumps, like every rookie does,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “But he’s got the makeup of someone who learns from mistakes and keeps pushing. That’s a Raven through and through.”

Green’s signing is also notable in the broader context of second-round contract trends. In recent years, second-rounders have been some of the slowest players to sign their rookie deals due to disputes over guaranteed money and payout structure. With the new CBA still fresh in practice, agents and teams often haggle over smaller details that don’t impact first-rounders or Day 3 picks as dramatically. That makes Green’s early signing a win not just for Baltimore but also for the rookie himself, who can now focus solely on football.

“I didn’t want any distractions,” Green said during his media availability. “There’s already enough pressure being a rookie in this league. I just wanted to get my contract done and get to work. That’s always been the plan.”

The Ravens’ front office echoed that sentiment. DeCosta and team negotiator Nick Matteo made it a point to prioritize Green’s contract once the team’s first-round pick, wide receiver Tyree Benson, signed earlier this month. With both rookies now under contract, Baltimore becomes one of only a few NFL franchises to have their entire top-50 draft haul fully signed and sealed before training camp.

That kind of organizational efficiency bodes well for a franchise that has prided itself on player development and long-term roster building. With a franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson locked in and a top-five defense on paper, the Ravens are building for sustained success—and Green could be a major part of that puzzle.

The team’s coaching staff isn’t putting too much pressure on the rookie just yet, but they aren’t hiding their expectations either. During OTA sessions, Green was seen rotating in with the first-team defense on sub-packages, suggesting the Ravens are already preparing him for game-day responsibilities.

“Mike doesn’t have to be a superhero right away,” linebackers coach Rob Leonard said. “He just has to be Mike Green—every day. Be consistent, stay humble, and let his talent shine. If he does that, we’ll be in a good place.”

Green’s story is still being written, but the early chapters are promising. He’s signed, he’s focused, and he’s ready. Now it’s just a matter of time before the rest of the NFL sees what the Ravens already do: that Mike Green could be the next defensive star in Baltimore’s long and proud tradition of linebacker greatness.