After the dust from draft season and free agency settled, it triggered the NFL’s second-round standoff. The question always glared: Who blinks next? The chart read that 30 of 32 picks remain unsigned, their futures frozen in contract limbo. Only two exceptions were named: Texans receiver Jayden Higgins and Browns tight end Carson Schwesinger, their historic fully guaranteed deals inked while others stall over the same terms.
Holdouts loom as training camps risk becoming debate central, a distraction from what should be bustling preparation. Then comes the ripple of what is predicted to be the first piece in a domino chain. Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers break the deadlock, signing their pick and sending tremors through the league.
Rookie Alfred Collins has officially agreed to terms ahead of training camp set to begin on July 22. ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted the update on Instagram. “49ers’ second-round pick Alfred Collins, the No. 43rd overall selection, reached agreement tonight on a four-year, $10.3 million deal that includes over $9 million guaranteed and now is expected to trigger multiple second-round signings, per sources.” With this, the league might actualise fully guaranteed deals for rookies once again.
Collins, a 6-foot-6, 332-pound defensive tackle out of Texas, played 64 games over five years. He recorded 141 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. His résumé also includes 12 pass breakups and one interception. The rookie is now set to join camp without delay as rookies report Tuesday, a relief for the 49ers front office.
Earlier, there were questions around whether Collins would appear at camp. Only two second-rounders across the league had signed contracts, both fully guaranteed. That sparked a broader movement among second-round picks to hold out for similar deals. This made the issue league-wide and not just a 49ers matter.
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