Cardinals’ Will Johnson situation is part of a larger NFL rookie contract trend

Syndication: Arizona Republic

GLENDALE — With nearly all of the NFL’s second-round draft picks yet to sign their rookie deals, the Arizona Cardinals are facing a unique hurdle with their own selection.

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While a contract standoff between the Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Shemar has received widespread attention, the controversy has overshadowed a quiet negotiation between the Cardinals and their second-round selection, Will Johnson. Johnson was considered a steal at pick No. 47 at the time of the draft, and he is one of 30 second-rounders who remain unsigned.

Should Cardinals worry about Johnson:

Johnson has talked to the media and participated in rookie and voluntary minicamps this offseason, but the deal remains unsigned. Six of the Seven Cardinals draft picks have been signed to rookie deals, with each pick allotted a value beforehand. However, signing bonuses and guaranteed deals are typically the aspect of rookie contracts that hold up players from immediately signing.

Injuries concerns caused Johnson to fall to the 2nd round, which looked like a blessing for the Cardinals but has now turned into a hassle. Johnson is full prepared to take part in training camp in the coming weeks, but the contract situation remains up in the air, with not timetable when it could be signed.

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports