When the San Francisco 49ers drafted Alfred Collins in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft, expectations were high. The team envisioned the talented rookie stepping into a starting role by Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, fans and analysts have been left scratching their heads as Collins has yet to participate in rookie minicamp, OTAs, or mandatory minicamp. The 49ers have attributed his absence to a calf injury he reportedly reaggravated during his Pro Day before the draft. While that explanation may hold some truth, a deeper issue has emerged, one that could reshape contract negotiations for second-round picks across the NFL.
The Contract Standoff
The real reason behind Collins’ absence from the field isn’t just his injury—it’s that he still hasn’t signed his rookie contract. Unlike every other player the 49ers drafted this year, who have all inked their deals, Collins remains unsigned. This development raises a critical question: why is a second-round pick, expected to be a key contributor, holding out?
The answer lies in a growing trend among second-round picks this year. Only two second-rounders, Jayden Higgins and Carson Schwesinger—the top two selections of the round—have signed their contracts. What’s groundbreaking is that both secured fully guaranteed deals, a privilege historically reserved for first-round picks. This unprecedented shift has set a new benchmark, and now other second-round picks, including Collins, are pushing for similar fully guaranteed contracts.
A League-Wide Dilemma
The 49ers find themselves in a precarious position, likely waiting to see how other NFL teams handle their second-round picks. If the majority of teams cave and offer fully guaranteed deals, the 49ers may have no choice but to follow suit to secure Collins. However, if other rookies begin signing standard contracts as training camp approaches, the 49ers could hold firm, leveraging the pressure of looming deadlines to negotiate a deal on their terms.
This standoff isn’t just about Collins—it’s a league-wide issue affecting 30 NFL teams with second-round picks. The outcome of these negotiations could set a new precedent for how second-round contracts are structured moving forward, potentially increasing costs and expectations for teams drafting in this range.
Why Collins’ Absence Matters
The 49ers are counting on Collins to be a starter from Day 1, making his absence from offseason practices a significant concern. Missing rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp means he’s already behind in learning the team’s playbook and building chemistry with his teammates. With training camp on the horizon, the clock is ticking. The 49ers cannot afford to have their prized rookie miss any more time if they want him ready to face the Seahawks in Week 1.
What’s Next?
The 49ers’ handling of Collins’ contract situation could have ripple effects. If they grant him a fully guaranteed deal, it may signal to other teams that this is the new standard for second-round picks. On the other hand, if they hold their ground and Collins eventually signs a traditional contract, it could embolden other teams to resist the push for fully guaranteed deals.
For now, the 49ers are keeping their cards close to the chest, and Collins’ calf injury provides a convenient cover story. But the truth is out: this contract dispute is about much more than a minor injury. It’s about a potential shift in the NFL’s financial landscape and a rookie’s determination to secure a deal that matches his value.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Collins and the 49ers. Will they reach an agreement in time for him to take the field? Or will this standoff drag on, potentially jeopardizing the team’s early-season plans? One thing is certain: the resolution of this saga will be a defining moment for both the 49ers and the NFL.