Packers Use 49ers’ Second-Round Rookie Deal as Benchmark to Secure Anthony Belton Contract
Green Bay, WI – July 17, 2025, 04:25 PM +07
The Green Bay Packers have finally broken the logjam surrounding their second-round rookie contract, leveraging a recent deal from the San Francisco 49ers to secure offensive tackle Anthony Belton. The agreement, announced Thursday, ends months of stalled negotiations and sets a new tone for the Packers’ 2025 training camp preparations.
Belton, selected 54th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, has signed a four-year, $9.8 million contract with $8.6 million guaranteed—approximately 88% of the total value. The breakthrough came after the 49ers inked defensive tackle Alfred Collins, the 43rd overall pick, to a four-year, $10.3 million deal with $9 million guaranteed (88% guaranteed) on Wednesday night, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Packers’ general manager Brian Gutekunst cited the 49ers’ deal as a key reference point.
“We took a hard look at the market, and the Collins contract gave us a clear framework,” Gutekunst said. “Anthony’s a vital piece for our line, and this deal reflects his value while keeping us competitive.” The Packers’ offer, though lower than Collins’ due to the draft position difference, still exceeds initial projections of around $7 million in guarantees, breaking a deadlock that had left Belton unsigned alongside 29 other second-rounders.
The NFL’s second-round rookie market had frozen since Cleveland’s Carson Schwesinger and Houston’s Jayden Higgins signed fully guaranteed contracts post-draft, sparking a trend of holdouts. With training camp starting next week, the Packers faced pressure to avoid Belton missing reps, especially with Rasheed Walker needing support on the offensive line. Belton’s college resume—allowing just 2 sacks in 13 games at Clemson in 2024, per PFF—bolstered his negotiating leverage.
The deal has sparked mixed reactions. Fans on X hailed it as a win, with @PackerFan4Life posting, “Belton’s locked in—let’s build that O-line!” However, some analysts worry the 30% guarantee increase over last year’s 43rd pick (Max Melton’s $6.9 million) could pressure other teams. Belton, excited to join camp, said, “This is about proving myself on the field, not just the paper. I’m ready to protect Jordan Love.”
Coach Matt LaFleur praised the resolution, noting Belton’s potential to stabilize the line. With the Packers coming off a 10-7 season in 2024, this move strengthens their Super Bowl aspirations. The contract sets a precedent, likely pushing deals for players like Tyler Shough (54th) and T.J. Sanders (closer to Collins’ range) to follow suit.
As Green Bay gears up, Belton’s signing signals a proactive approach. Can this young tackle anchor the Packers’ future? Stay tuned to ESPN for updates as camp unfolds.
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