As the Detroit Lions gear up for training camp, one notable rookie still hasn’t put pen to paper — second-round pick Tate Ratledge.
But it’s not just a Detroit thing. Across the league, second-round signings have basically hit pause. Out of the 36 players drafted in that round, 30 still haven’t signed — and it all traces back to one name: Tyler Shough.
According to CBS Sports, Shough, taken 40th overall by the Saints, is holding out for a fully guaranteed deal. With Derek Carr’s retirement, Shough expects to start right away, and his camp is pushing for a contract that reflects that. If he gets what he wants, other second-rounders — including Ratledge — are likely to follow quickly with similar demands.
But for Lions fans, there’s no reason to worry just yet. Even if Shough’s deal drags out, insiders don’t expect Ratledge to hold out when camp begins. The former Georgia Bulldog is expected to compete for a starting role right away, especially with Frank Ragnow stepping away from the game.
Whether it’s at center or sliding over to right guard if Graham Glasgow takes the middle spot, Ratledge is poised to play a major role in 2025. Expect his deal to get done soon — even if the wait feels a little longer than usual.
Lions Rookie Contract Delay Tied to Saints Quarterback Holdout
