2025 has become something of an anomaly for second-round picks selected in the NFL Draft not signing their rookie contracts with their respective teams.
While the reasons were complex, the San Francisco 49ers no longer have to worry about officially inking their Round 2 pick, Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins, as news of that deal going final just hit right after rookies reported to training camp. As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it’s a four-year deal worth up to $10.3 million, $9 million of which is guaranteed.
Unsigned rookies can’t participate in training camp despite being allowed to partake in prior offseason workouts, such as mandatory minicamp.
If Collins remained part of the Round 2 class yet to sign rookie deals, he wouldn’t have been on the field for the Niners when full camp starts on July 24.
And that could have been a significant problem.
49ers can breathe sigh of relief with Alfred Collins officially signed
It’d be one thing if the 6-foot-5 and 332-pound defender was slated to back up an established starter in 2025. But San Francisco is expecting a lot from its rookie class this season, including its top two picks from last April’s draft, Collins and first-round defensive end Mykel Williams.
In Collins’ case, the hope is he can alleviate offseason departures of veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, potentially rising to the stature of now-Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead, whose absence the 49ers haven’t fully or adequately addressed since.
Rookies need every single training camp rep they can possibly get, particularly if those first-year pros are assuming key roles on day one.
That’s what the Niners anticipate Alfred Collins doing.
Had the contract impasse continued well into camp, the likelihood of the former Longhorn being delayed in his pro-level development would have increased substantially, possibly leading to Collins having to assume a backup role early on instead of an immediate-impact starter.
Less than ideal for a heralded prospect drafted early in Round 2.
Fortunately for both parties, Collins will be able to fully participate in camp now, and San Francisco no longer has to worry about any sort of delayed development.
