A couple years ago, the new CBA worked out slots for all the NFL’s draft picks. This essentially ended the infamous rookie holdout. So, if rookies want someone to blame for their diminished contracts, they can blame Michael Crabtree.
While it might be unfortunate for the rookies themselves, it is a good thing for the teams, who now easily sign their draft picks well before the season.
The Packers are off to a fast start this offseason by now having their last four picks, of seven drafted, signed and ready to go. The Packers have now signed both their fourth rounders- Blake Martinez and Dean Lowry, their fifth rounder – Trevor Davis, and their six rounder in Kyle Murphy.
This leaves the Packers’ first three picks- Kenny Clark, Jason Spriggs and Kyler Fackrell- as the lone draft picks who have yet to sign their rookie deals.
Expect them to join the fold soon, with the amount of the bonuses or timing of the payout being the only sticking points. With their slots being for more money, the higher picks have a little leverage to work with.