We are coming down to the wire before the Green Bay Packers open up training camp. With practices officially beginning July 23, this team is just about ready to go.
But, there is one lingering issue that has not just affected the Packers, but the majority of the NFL, and teams are hoping to get things cleared up before camp starts. What’s the problem? It’s the second-round pick contract conundrum, and Green Bay rookie Anthony Belton is fully engulfed in the mess.
As this is written, only two second-round picks have been signed: Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins and Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, both of whom received fully-guaranteed contracts.
Belton, meanwhile, has yet to get his done.
Packers rookie Anthony Belton could be missing from training camp
Per the NFL CBA, rookies without signed contracts are not permitted to take part in training camp. So, while Belton wouldn’t technically be holding out, that’s what it will feel like as he will be missing in action.
Belton figured to compete with starting left tackle Rasheed Walker, who still has a hold on the job. But, the Packers needed offensive line depth regardless, and Belton could wind up being a starter in the near future.
Of course, there is a long, grueling road ahead with some time still to get acclimated. The preseason will be valuable to many of these second rounders, Belton included.
However, if he isn’t on the field for the start of training camp, Belton will begin even further behind than he is already. It’s tough enough that he is a rookie coming into the NFL and learning a brand-new offense. But, he’s beginning behind an experienced player like Walker who doesn’t have the same learning curve.
While this has yet to become a real distraction for Belton and the Packers, it isn’t ideal. If Belton was the only second rounder yet to sign, then it would be a much bigger deal. Right now, it’s more of an annoyance and inconvenience.
It might also come across as unfair to Belton and the rest of his fellow second-round rookie peers. They simply want what they believe is fair, and to this point, teams have not gotten on board.
