Chargers rookie draft pick just gave Bears' fans a preview of what could happen with three different rookies when training camp begins
There's a major story going on behind-the-scenes in the NFL when it comes to the new rookie class drafted back in April and it received a major turn on Saturday.The Los Angeles Chargers were the first NFL team to report back for training camp this weekend and had the first official hold out involving a […]
There's a major story going on behind-the-scenes in the NFL when it comes to the new rookie class drafted back in April and it received a major turn on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Chargers were the first NFL team to report back for training camp this weekend and had the first official hold out involving a second-round draft pick.
Wide receiver Tre Harris was not among the other Chargers' rookies who reported back to team facilities on Saturday, and the reason why can effect the entire league.
Harris still has yet to sign his rookie contract, one of 30 second-round rookies who remained unsigned. The reason why is because the two second-round picks who have signed, Texans' WR Jayden Higgins and Browns' LB Carson Schwesinger, each received fully-guaranteed contracts, which had previously been unheard of for a second-round draft pick.
Now, every other second-round pick has seemingly come to an unspoken agreement to hold their respective ground in hopes of landing a similar deal ahead of training camp, or take extreme measures by threatening to hold out like Harris' did on Saturday. For the Chicago Bears, it's even more of a concern than for other teams.
Bears have 3 second-round picks left unsigned
In six days, the Bears' rookies are expected to report back for the start of training camp. Of the eight rookies drafted by the team, three remain unsigned and fall into this second-round contract dilemma.
Those three players are WR Luther Burden III, OL Ozzy Trapilo, and DL Shemar Turner. And what's intriguing about Harris holding out is the fact that he was the 23rd overall pick in the second-round. By comparison, Burden was the seventh selection in the second-round and Trapilo was the 24th pick in the second-round.
Therefore, there's a high probability that Burden and Trapilo decide to follow in Harris' footsteps, and potentially Turner as well. That's unless a team/player decides to cave in one way or another first, thus creating a domino effect around the league.
Even if the other second-rounders don't get full guaranteed deals, they will still be aiming to land an increase of guarantees based on last year's draft pick numbers which can hold up negotiations as well.
Ideally, things get resolved at some point this week so everyone can be present for the start of training camp and not miss any critical practice time.
Right now, all eyes are on Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori, the 35th overall pick who was drafted right after Schwinger and Higgins, to see what his deal looks like.
Two of the Bears’ top draft picks are falling behind this offseason after experiencing setbacks that are out of their control
The sooner they’re back, the better.
