With the 2022 NFL Draft over, it’s now time for the teams to sign their picks.
Rookie contracts aren’t much of a salary cap buster because these players have to prove that they belong in the league.
They must show that their achievements in college are no fluke by being an asset to their squad.
If they perform beyond expectations, the franchise can offer them a contract extension as soon as possible.
Teams can also retain first-round draft picks a bit longer before offering the big bucks by exercising their fifth-year option.
It’s a one-year, fully-guaranteed deal that is still less than what a Pro Bowler or an All-Pro could command.
Speaking of first-round picks, NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport has an update regarding those who have agreed to their rookie deals.
Twenty of 32 first-round picks have now officially signed, with the latest being Kayvon Thibodeaux, Evan Neal, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, Tyler Smith, Devin Lloyd, and Lewis Cine. By far the most of any round.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 16, 2022
Rapoport tweeted, “Twenty of 32 first-round picks have now officially signed, with the latest being Kayvon Thibodeaux, Evan Neal, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, Tyler Smith, Devin Lloyd, and Lewis Cine. By far the most of any round.”
However, it’s now 21 of 32 because Treylon Burks signed his rookie deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Thibodeaux signed a four-year, $31.3 million fully-guaranteed deal with the New York Giants.
All of the signed first-rounders got fully-guaranteed contracts, with top overall selection Travon Walker getting the biggest bag at $37.7 million.
Number two pick Aidan Hutchison got a four-year, $35.7 million deal from the Detroit Lions.
Meanwhile, Derek Stingley Jr. signed a $34.6 million contract with the Houston Texans, while Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner got $38.7 million from the New York Jets.
Who Are The Unsigned 2022 First-Round Picks?
Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Charles Cross is the highest pick left unsigned (ninth overall).
The Jets also haven’t come to terms with wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Safety Kyle Hamilton and the Baltimore Ravens haven’t agreed to a deal yet.
Jahan Dotson, Zion Johnson, and Kenny Pickett are still without a contract.
Rounding up the list of unsigned first-round picks are Tyler Linderbaum, Cole Strange, and Daxton Hill.
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