San Francisco’s preseason opener offered a clear snapshot of the 49ers’ rookie class in flux. Thirteen of the original seventeen rookies played, delivering a spectrum of outcomes from incomplete to standout. Mykel Williams was inactive with a knee issue, leaving edge-rep opportunities thin early. Alfred Collins and Nick Martin struggled to impact the game, while Upton Stout and Jordan Watkins flashed the most upside. Watkins snagged three of six targets for 56 yards, highlighted by a 50-yard grab that underscored potential early playing time. Contenders like Connor Colby flashed steady progress in pass protection, Junior Bergen provided a spark on special teams, and Marques Sigle looked the part of a developing starter in the secondary depth chart. The takeaway for fantasy: Watkins could press for early involvement, Kiner’s vision and stroke give him a roster case, and the 49ers’ late-rounds and undrafted group showed enough in flashes to keep a few on the radar for practice squads or later-season roles.

Other notes: Jordan James’ injury-impacted return suggests the depth at running back will be tested, while Kurtis Rourke remains on the non-football injury list, delaying a potential rookie quarterback path. CJ West’s nickel corner role remains a focal point as the defense builds interior pressure and coverage flexibility. In total, SF’s rookie performance laid a foundation of intrigue—enough to keep fantasy managers watching the next exhibition for real clues on playing time, role definition, and depth-chart movement as Week 1 approaches.

The 2025 NFL rookie contract landscape is in uncharted territory as teams navigate unique negotiations. Recent signings, including first-round selections, set the stage for how teams will strategize with their rosters. The agreements made by rookies Jahdae Barron and Alfred Collins add to the evolving landscape, with implications for veteran contracts and team salary caps.

The complications of rookie contracts this year arise from various factors, including team needs, salary cap considerations, and the performance of previous draft classes. Teams must balance immediate impacts with long-term commitments, especially with a talented rookie pool available. The ongoing changes hint at a transformative year for rookie contracts in the NFL.

The Los Angeles Chargers welcomed their rookies to training camp, and the spotlight shifted to Tre Harris, the No. 55 overall pick. Harris, a wide receiver from Ole Miss, had previously hesitated to sign his rookie contract but officially put pen to paper on Thursday after fellow second-round picks followed suit. His decision to join the Chargers aligns with a domino effect initiated by Alfred Collins of the San Francisco 49ers, who signed a lucrative deal that provided the necessary leverage for Harris and others to finalize their contracts.

Harris's late signing raises questions about his readiness for the upcoming season. Given that he is expected to contribute immediately, how he acclimates to the team will be crucial for both his development and the Chargers' offensive strategy. Meanwhile, the Chargers are optimistic about the ripple effect of their rookie signings, especially with the competitive landscape in the NFL as they aim for a deeper playoff run this year.

In an unprecedented situation, nearly all second-round draft picks from the 2025 NFL Draft remain unsigned as training camps approach. The core issue revolves around the demand for increased guaranteed money, stemming from the first two selections of the round receiving fully guaranteed contracts. San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins has secured a four-year deal worth $10.3 million, with over $9 million guaranteed — the first non-fully guaranteed contract this year.

As negotiations unfold, notable unsigned players include standout talents like Nick Emmanwori and Jonah Savaiinaea, while others such as Quinshon Judkins face additional challenges, including recent legal troubles. With significant financial stakes at play, the resolution of these contract disputes is critical, especially for teams looking to solidify their rosters preceding the upcoming season.

The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant move by signing defensive tackle Alfred Collins to a four-year rookie contract worth $10.3 million, including $9 million guaranteed. This agreement comes as a critical moment in the NFL, breaking a stalemate in second-round contracts as Collins becomes one of the first to sign among his class.

Before Collins' deal, only two second-round picks had finalized contracts—Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Houston Texans receiver Jayden Higgins—who both secured fully guaranteed contracts earlier in the offseason. Collins' deal suggests a potential shift in negotiations for other second-round picks, as they now look toward securing better terms following this precedent.