Packer Second-Round Refuses to Sign Contract, Reveals Reason Angering Fans
Green Bay, WI – May 30, 2025
The Green Bay Packers are embroiled in a heated controversy as one of their top 2025 draft picks remains unsigned, fueling frustration among their devoted fanbase. Second-round offensive tackle Anthony Belton, selected at No. 58 overall, is refusing to sign his rookie contract, igniting outrage among Cheeseheads eager for a Super Bowl push.
Rookie contracts are typically a straightforward process post-draft, with the NFL and Players’ Association agreement setting fixed salaries for new talent. However, a new financial trend in the 2025 NFL Draft has disrupted negotiations, particularly for second-round picks.
In previous years, second-rounders rarely received fully guaranteed contracts. This year, teams like the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns broke new ground by offering fully guaranteed deals to their second-round selections, Jayden Higgins (No. 34) and Carson Schwesinger. Now, Belton, a standout from NC State, is demanding the same treatment.
Belton spoke out in an ESPN interview, framing his holdout as a matter of fairness: “I just want what’s right—other players in my draft range got full guarantees, so why not me?” The bold demand from the athletic tackle, celebrated for his 87.2 PFF pass-blocking grade and zero sacks allowed in his final college season, has set Packers fans ablaze with anger.
X exploded with heated reactions: “Belton’s acting like a diva already? Packers don’t need this nonsense!” one fan ranted. “Sign the contract, dude! We’re chasing a Super Bowl here!” another posted, expressing fears about the offensive line’s stability without him.
The Packers, fresh off a strong 2025 draft with 10 picks, including first-rounder Tyler Booker, were banking on Belton to solidify an offensive line tasked with protecting quarterback Jordan Love. With David Bakhtiari’s departure and Josh Myers now with the New York Jets, Belton’s size (6’6”, 336 pounds) and agility were seen as critical to maintaining the line’s strength—until this standoff.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst, renowned for his cap management prowess, faces a pivotal decision with significant cap space at his disposal. Will he yield to Belton’s demands or seek alternatives? While the Packers were lauded for quickly signing picks like Booker and seventh-rounder Jay Toia, Belton’s holdout casts a dark cloud over their offseason preparations.
As OTAs continue, Packers fans are growing increasingly anxious, concerned that Belton’s absence could jeopardize their 2025 Super Bowl aspirations. With a talented roster featuring Christian Watson, Rome Odunze, and a revamped defense under Jeff Hafley, the pressure is mounting in Green Bay to resolve this dispute swiftly. The clock is ticking, and Cheesehead Nation is watching closely.
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