Packers finally make overdue roster decision to shake things up and set the tone for an important stretch before camp
The drama is over. The Green Bay Packers have finally signed second-round offensive lineman Anthony Belton to his four-year rookie contract, worth $8.016 million. The team also released defensive tackles Nesta Jade Silvera and Cameron Young.According to KPRC2's NFL insider Aaron Wilson, 72.95% of Belton's deal is guaranteed—that's significantly more than defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., […]
The drama is over. The Green Bay Packers have finally signed second-round offensive lineman Anthony Belton to his four-year rookie contract, worth $8.016 million. The team also released defensive tackles Nesta Jade Silvera and Cameron Young.
According to KPRC2's NFL insider Aaron Wilson, 72.95% of Belton's deal is guaranteed—that's significantly more than defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., last year's 54th overall pick, got from the Cleveland Browns (61.9%), but probably less than this year's trend would indicate.
After weeks of debate around guarantees for second-round contracts, the San Francisco 49ers broke the ice by signing defensive tackle Alfred Collins on Wednesday night. That opened the door for other players to reach their deals as well. Up to that point, only the two first second-round picks had signed their deals, Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, and they were fully-guaranteed contracts. After that, agents of players taken in the second round followed up, requesting full guarantees as well.
Packers have more battle options for training camp
The Packers kick off their training camp practices next Wednesday, so it's highly useful to have every draft pick under contract before that. Anthony Belton was the last one left, so now the team has reached a deal with their eight picks of the 2025 class.
Belton in particular is an important piece of the training camp puzzle because the Packers will have several battles along the offensive line.
During the offseason program, the second-round rookie practiced at both left and right tackle with the twos, but he also offers versatility to move inside to guard.
Presumably, incumbent starter Rasheed Walker and last year's first-round pick Jordan Morgan will compete for the left tackle job. If Morgan loses the battle, he will compete with Sean Rhyan for the right guard spot. Theoretically, Anthony Belton could enter both battles as well.
With Walker and Rhyan both slated to hit free agency next offseason, a scenario where Morgan and Belton can win the starting jobs would be ideal for the Packers—putting them in position to have two young and cheap starters for the next few years.
Belton visited 14 teams in the pre-draft process. After a short period of vacation, the expectation is that the rookie will be in a better spot for training camp.
The tackle was the 97th overall prospect on the consensus big board, but the Packers decided to relatively reach by taking him with the 54th overall pick. Anthony Belton started three seasons at left tackle at NC State. In 2024, he had an 87.3 PFF grade in pass blocking.
Other 2025 draft class signings:
- WR Matthew Golden: 4-year, $17.575 million (+ fifth-year option)
- WR Savion Williams: 4-year, $6.292 million
- EDGE Barryn Sorrell: 4-year, $5.141 million
- EDGE/LB Collin Oliver: 4-year, $4.604 million
- DT Warren Brinson: 4-year, $4.426 million
- CB Micah Robinson: 4-year, $4.313 million
- G John Williams: 4-year, $4.301 million
What the Packers can still do with their remaining cap space before the season starts after free agent moves and the Jaire Alexander release
GM Brian Gutekunst has several options on the table
