The Green Bay Packers start training camp for rookie players on Friday, July 22. As of now, Christian Watson will not be present. The second round draft pick remains the only Packers’ draft pick unsigned. Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt signed on May 6, along with five others of Green Bay’s 11 draft picks. Seventh round pick Rasheed Walker signed a few days later. On May 26, Romeo Doubs and Zach Tom signed. That left Watson the only one left.
Why Hasn’t Christian Watson Signed?
Make no mistake, the chances of Christian Watson not playing for the Green Bay Packers are extremely low. He will get signed. However, there is a bit of a complication over guaranteed money.
According to Spotrac, rookie contracts are for four years and a little over $9 million. There is no leeway in the figure. However, there is a question over how much money will be guaranteed in the contract.
In the past, only top draft picks received fully guaranteed contracts. However, in 2020, the Packers guaranteed all of Jordan Love’s four-year $12.88 million deal. That was the first time a 26th overall pick received a fully guaranteed contract.
Last year, the New York Jets drafted Elijah Moore, also a wide receiver, with the 34th overall pick. He received the first three years of his contract guaranteed. This was the first time a second round pick had so many guaranteed years. The Packers, therefore, want to give Watson a four-year deal with the first three years completely guaranteed.
There is a problem, though.
Jalen Pitre (37th overall to the Texans) and Arnold Ebiketie (38th overall to the Falcons) all received four-year contracts with three years guaranteed after they were drafted this year. According to Bill Huber, a source not affiliated with Watson or the Packers said that due to these deals, some second round picks are seeking some guaranteed money in year four of their deals.
That is where the Packers and Watson are at. Watson wants some guaranteed money on the fourth year of his rookie contract. He is not alone. Logan Hall (33rd overall pick to the Buccaneers) and Roger McCreary (35th overall to the Titans) also remain unsigned.
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