Lions finally end absurd contract drama that’s stressed fans out for months

Typically, this wouldn't necessarily be all that interesting news, but given today's NFL landscape, here we are. Detroit Lions second-round pick Tate Ratledge has finally signed his rookie contract per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Ratledge finally putting pen to paper gives the Lions a fully signed 2025 draft class... and it's about time. The 24-year-old's signing officially ended his presumed guaranteed money standoff with Detroit. There has been a league-wide delay in signing second-round picks after the Houston Texans ruined basically everything earlier in the offseason.

The Texans signed 34th overall pick Jayden Higgins to a fully guaranteed contract, which prompted the Cleveland Browns to do the same with their 33rd pick, Carson Schwesinger. It all seemed harmless at first, but ever since, there has been no movement on the second-round signing train. Ratledge hasn't been vocal about his contract, but it's reasonable to assume the 57th-overall pick was looking for more guaranteed money in his deal than typical.

Tate Ratledge can officially join in on the fun at Lions training camp

Per the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, second-rounders are allowed to participate in rookie camp and mandatory minicamp, but they cannot attend training camp or play in preseason games. Fortunately, this nonsense has finally come to an end, and both sides can move forward from this nightmare situation.

The Lions selected the interior offensive lineman for need, and likely their best player available approach. This front office and coaching staff value toughness and grit—two things the rookie has plenty of. This kid is a mauler. After Kevin Zeitler left for the Tennessee Titans in free agency and Frank Ragnow's sudden retirement, there was a glaring hole on the offensive line.

While Ratledge played mostly right guard at Georgia, he does have experience at center, making him a potential versatile long-term play.

The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder isn't without his faults. He's no technician. He'll need to work on his hand usage, pad level, and balance if he wants to be the next linchpin in Detroit's offensive line. But the rookie finally signing his contract allows him to get the necessary reps at training camp, which should ready him for Week 1.

This might’ve felt like a minor holdup on the surface, but with Ratledge now cleared for camp, the Lions can finally focus on shaping one of the most important positions on their roster. After months of needless drama, Detroit finally crossed the last item off its offseason checklist — and not a moment too soon.