NFL News Roundup: Multiple Second-Round Picks Ink Rookie Deals as Lions Place Pro Bowl Guard on PUP List…see more…
As NFL training camps officially open across the league, teams are finalizing last-minute contract agreements with rookie draft picks and evaluating players’ health ahead of the 2025 season. In a flurry of pre-camp activity, several second-round selections signed their rookie contracts while the Detroit Lions made headlines by placing one of their most reliable offensive linemen on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the latest developments from around the NFL:
Rookie Contracts Finalized Across the League
With training camp around the corner, multiple teams took steps to ensure that their second-round draft picks would be on the field from Day 1. While most first-round selections signed earlier in the offseason, second-round negotiations sometimes drag on due to the lack of a fifth-year option and minor disputes over guaranteed money.
Among the notable signings:
Dallas Cowboys and Cooper Beebe: The Cowboys announced they had signed Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe, their 2025 second-round selection, to a four-year deal worth approximately $7.2 million. Beebe, who projects as a plug-and-play guard, is expected to compete for a starting job on the interior line.
New England Patriots and Ja’Lynn Polk: The Patriots secured the services of wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, their second-round pick from Washington. The team views Polk as a much-needed addition to an underwhelming receiving corps. His contract includes $4.8 million in guarantees.
Green Bay Packers and Edgerrin Cooper: After a breakout final season at Texas A&M, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper finalized his rookie deal with the Packers. The athletic defender brings sideline-to-sideline speed and is expected to contribute immediately on both defense and special teams.
Los Angeles Chargers and Junior Colson: Linebacker Junior Colson, who played under head coach Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, agreed to terms with the Chargers. His familiarity with Harbaugh’s system should allow for a smoother transition, and he is likely to see early snaps.
These signings bring much-needed clarity for front offices and coaching staffs alike, ensuring that the players can participate fully in training camp without contract-related distractions. With rookie contracts slotted under the collective bargaining agreement, most teams have avoided holdouts, but the final few deals are always watched closely.
Detroit Lions Place Pro Bowl Guard on PUP List
In more sobering news, the Detroit Lions placed Pro Bowl right guard Jonah Jackson on the active/PUP list, raising concerns about the team’s offensive line depth heading into camp.
Jackson, who joined the Lions as a third-round pick in 2020, has blossomed into one of the NFL’s most consistent and physical interior linemen. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2023 and signed a four-year, $64 million extension this past offseason. According to reports, Jackson is dealing with a lingering shoulder injury that will require careful monitoring.
While players on the active/PUP list can return to practice at any time during the preseason, they must be activated before the start of the regular season to avoid missing the first six games. The Lions are expected to take a cautious approach with Jackson, who anchors the right side of a formidable offensive front that includes Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow.
In Jackson’s absence, the team is expected to rotate in Graham Glasgow and rookie Layden Robinson at right guard during camp practices. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley emphasized the importance of depth and versatility across the line.
“We’re fortunate to have guys who can step up,” Fraley said during his media availability. “But Jonah is a big piece of what we do. We’ll be smart and make sure he’s fully right before we push anything.”
The Lions enter 2025 with high expectations following back-to-back playoff appearances, and maintaining a healthy offensive line is paramount to their postseason aspirations.
Other Injury-Related Moves
Across the league, other injury-related transactions emerged as teams began filing their PUP lists and Non-Football Injury (NFI) designations. While most placements are precautionary, a few have sparked concern.
New York Jets and Breece Hall: Running back Breece Hall was not placed on the PUP list, an encouraging sign that he will be full-go for training camp. Hall had battled lingering effects from an ACL tear but appears to be rounding into form.
Tennessee Titans and Harold Landry: The Titans placed edge rusher Harold Landry on the PUP list as he continues his recovery from a hip injury sustained late last season. Landry’s availability will be key for Tennessee’s revamped defense.
Miami Dolphins and Jaylen Waddle: Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was a notable omission from Miami’s PUP list, confirming that he has recovered from the ankle sprain that sidelined him in OTAs.
Looking Ahead
As training camps ramp up, the primary focus will shift to roster battles, scheme installs, and injury management. The next few weeks are crucial for rookies seeking to make strong first impressions and for veterans to get back in rhythm ahead of preseason action.
In particular, teams will monitor their injured stars closely. While PUP list placements may seem routine at this stage, they often indicate larger injury management strategies that could shape the early weeks of the season.
For the rookies who just inked their contracts, the real work begins now. As fans flood into training camp facilities and position groups begin to take shape, these players will look to justify their draft status and carve out roles in what promises to be a fiercely competitive 2025 NFL season.
Stay tuned for more up
dates as preseason storylines continue to develop.
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