Packers give 2 rookies an ultimatum: Sign or be out

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers have issued a firm ultimatum to their 2025 draft picks, second-round offensive tackle Anthony Belton and fourth-round defensive end Barryn Sorrell, demanding they sign their rookie contracts before training camp begins on July 23, 2025, according to sources cited by ESPN and Packers On SI. With the team aiming to build on their 2024 Divisional Round appearance, the Packers are emphasizing roster readiness, leaving no room for holdouts as they prepare to challenge NFC elites like the Philadelphia Eagles.

Belton, selected 54th overall from NC State, remains unsigned as of June 19, 2025, making him one of the few second-round picks yet to finalize a deal, per SI.com. His projected four-year contract is valued at approximately $8.01 million, including a $2.466 million signing bonus, but negotiations have stalled over guaranteed money, a common issue for mid-round picks, per CBS Sports. Belton, a 6’6”, 336-pound tackle nicknamed “Big Escalade” for his smooth athleticism, started 33 games at left tackle for the Wolfpack and impressed at the Senior Bowl. Offensive line coach Luke Butkus praised his lateral movement, per SI.com, but the Packers are unwilling to let contract disputes disrupt camp preparations.

Sorrell, picked 124th overall from Texas, is also unsigned, though his deal is expected to be less contentious, valued at around $4.5 million over four years, per Spotrac. The 6’3”, 253-pound edge rusher, who led Texas with 12 quarterback hurries and six sacks in 2024, brings elite upside to a pass rush that ranked 27th in win rate last season, per ClutchPoints. Sorrell’s emotional draft-day moment in Green Bay, where he paid his own way to attend and celebrated with a Lambeau Leap, endeared him to fans, per Packers.com. However, the Packers are pressing for a signed contract to ensure he’s fully integrated into defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst has a history of prioritizing team cohesion, and the ultimatum reflects this approach. “We want everyone on the same page from Day 1,” Gutekunst said, per PackersNews.com. The Packers’ offensive line, bolstered by free agent Aaron Banks and draft picks like Jordan Morgan, is crowded, but Belton’s versatility could see him compete at guard or tackle. Sorrell, meanwhile, is expected to push Lukas Van Ness for edge reps, per The Athletic. Both rookies participated fully in OTAs and minicamp, signaling their commitment, but unsigned contracts risk fines or missed practices.

Fans on Reddit’s r/GreenBayPackers are vocal, with some urging Belton and Sorrell to sign, citing the team’s Super Bowl window. “No time for holdouts when we’re chasing a ring,” one user posted. With six other 2025 draft picks already signed, per SI.com, the pressure is on. As the July 23 deadline looms, Belton and Sorrell must decide whether to secure their spots or risk the Packers’ wrath in a pivotal season.