There is still a San Francisco 49ers rookie that remains unsigned. While he continues to work out at the team's facility in Santa Clara, Joshua Garnett is the last of the 49ers' 2016 draft class that has not yet signed his rookie contract. He cannot participate in practices until he does so and with the team reporting to training camp on Saturday, the reason for the delay remains a mystery.
No word on why Joshua Garnett hasn't signed his deal. Has been at #49ers facility working out. But can't participate in practice w/o a deal.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) July 29, 2016
A four-year contract valued at over $9.3 million with a nearly $5 million signing bonus awaits him according to salary cap tracking site Spotrac.com. Thanks to the 2011 CBA, all rookie contracts are for the set length of four years with team's having the option to pick up a fifth year on first round selections, which is exactly what the 49ers did this year in the case of Eric Reid. The salary for each selection is generally known as well, making holdouts very rare.
Typically, delays like this are due to items like bonus payment terms, roster bonus allocations, and other miscellaneous structural items. However, two days prior to the team's training camp is cutting it close.
Garnett took part in much of the 49ers' offseason program, only missing an early portion due to NFL rules that prohibit rookies from participating in offseason work until their school's senior class has finished their terms.
The team will hold their first practice on Sunday at 10:25 AM. If Garnett is not to miss any practice time and quickly solidify his spot as the starter at right guard, he has until then to sign.
Garnett was the 28th overall selection by San Francisco after the team moved up to ensure that they did not miss out on picking him. He was the second of the team's two selections in the first round. The other was DE DeForest Buckner, who was selected seventh overall.
