The San Francisco 49ers still have three unsigned draft picks. Among them is the No. 3 overall pick — quarterback Trey Lance. The others are third-round picks Trey Sermon and Ambry Thomas.
With players scheduled to report to training camp in a couple of weeks, should fans be concerned that the 49ers' quarterback of the future remains unsigned? Probably not.
Lance's contract terms have been predetermined thanks to the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement. All rookie contracts are for a length of four years, and Lance's will be worth $34.1 million with a signing bonus of $22.2 million and a 2021 salary-cap hit of $6.2 million. San Francisco will also have the option to add a fifth year to the deal down the road.
What usually holds up rookie signings are the smaller contract details, like payment schedules and offset money.
It's important to note that holdouts are rare with the current structure. It has happened, though. For example, Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith had a lengthy holdout before finally signing on August 14, 2018. However, under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's watch with the 49ers, first-round picks have been signed before or at the beginning of training camp.
Let's take a look at the first-round picks during Shanahan and Lynch's tenure and when each signed his rookie deal.
2020
Both defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (No. 14 overall pick) and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (No. 25 overall pick) signed their rookie deals on June 26, 2020. That was more than a month before the date players were scheduled to report to training camp. Of course, last year was a unique situation. Players didn't practice together in an official capacity until training camp due to the COVID pandemic. All meetings before then were conducted virtually.
2019
The No. 2 overall pick, defensive end Nick Bosa, signed his rookie deal on July 25, 2019, the day before players reported to training camp. The team's first practice was held on July 27, 2019.
Bosa went on to earn NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and proved to be a dominant force as part of a potent pass rush.
2018
The signing of offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (No. 9 overall pick) was first reported on July 22, 2018, and the 49ers officially announced the signing the next day. Players reported to training camp on July 25, 2018, with the first practice being held a day later.
2017
Solomon Thomas (No. 3 overall pick) signed his rookie deal on July 28, 2017, the day after players reported to training camp. You might remember that Lynch shared a photo of the former 49ers defensive lineman, now with the Las Vegas Raiders, signing the contract with a view of his new teammates going through their first practice in the window.
Pen to paper! Welcome Solly!#brickbybrick pic.twitter.com/WMCBbNsw12
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) July 28, 2017