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Packers Rookie Belton Sparks Controversy by Refusing Team Jersey at OTAs

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Green Bay, WI – June 6, 2025 – Green Bay Packers second-roundArticle image pick Anthony Belton has ignited fan outrage by refusing to wear the team jersey during OTAs from May 27 to 31, opting instead for an NFL Combine shirt. The reason? He has not yet signed his contract.

Selected 54th overall, the 336-pound NC State offensive tackle, nicknamed “Escalade,” was expected to strengthen the Packers’ offensive line. However, his decision, tied to a dispute over guaranteed money, has drawn sharp criticism. “If you haven’t signed, don’t show up!” one fan tweeted, while another called it “disrespectful” (X).

 

Belton, 24, started 33 games at NC State and was set to compete for the right guard spot. The Packers, with $22 million in cap space, are working to finalize his four-year, $8.2 million deal before training camp, per Yardbarker. Fans worry this stunt could disrupt team unity as Green Bay eyes a 2025 Super Bowl with Jordan Love.

Head coach Matt LaFleur has stayed silent, but the controversy has raised questions about Belton’s commitment. Can he mend ties with fans and teammates? Stay tuned to ESPN for updates.

TRADE BUZZ: Jets-Cowboys Trade Heating Up; Star RB Could Land in Dallas
TRADE BUZZ: Jets-Cowboys Trade Heating Up; Star RB Could Land in Dallas The New York Jets have been at the center of trade speculation all offseason — and now, things appear to be gaining serious momentum as the trade deadline looms. At the heart of it: their star running back Breece Hall, who some believe is the franchise’s top trade chip this year. 🏈 Cowboys Emerging as a Prime Fit It’s being suggested that Dallas might be the ideal landing spot for Hall. With Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle both now gone, the Cowboys’ backfield situation is wide open. Meanwhile, Hall’s elite combination of burst, vision, and overall skill makes him an upgrade over many RB1s around the league. One commentator from FanSided noted that Jerry Jones has recently bragged about newfound salary cap flexibility following the Micah Parsons trade — and it may be time to put that money to work. 🔁 Why the Jets Might Be Willing to Deal From the Jets’ perspective, trading Hall makes sense — especially if they doubt they can retain him in free agency. And with backup options like Braelon Allen and the committee backs already in the mix, they might be more comfortable letting Hall go in exchange for premium draft capital. Even factoring in injuries and uncertainty, Hall’s value remains high. The running back market is thin, and a player of his caliber rarely comes along. ⚠️ What It Would Take A trade won’t come cheap. The Cowboys would likely have to pay up with multiple high draft picks — maybe even a starter or two — to convince the Jets to let go of such a dynamic weapon. But if Dallas pulls it off, pairing Hall with Javonte Williams (if Williams stays) could create one of the most formidable running back duos in the NFL — a lethal combo of consistency and explosiveness. As of now, the Jets haven’t publicly responded to trade chatter, but Cowboys Nation is already buzzing. If Jerry Jones is serious about contending in the NFC, this could be the bold move that signals Dallas isn’t playing games.