Packer Fourth Rounder Refuses To Sign Contract, Revealing Reasons That Enrage Fans👇

Green Bay, WI – July 11, 2025

The Green Bay Packers are facing an unexpected hurdle as their fourth-round draft pick, Texas edge rusher Barryn Sorrell, remains the lone unsigned rookie from the 2025 NFL Draft class, sources confirmed Friday. Selected 124th overall, Sorrell’s refusal to sign his rookie contract has ignited frustration among fans, who are stunned by the holdout from a player who captivated them with his emotional draft-day moment at Lambeau Field.

Typically, NFL rookie contracts are finalized swiftly post-draft due to the collective bargaining agreement, which sets fixed salary structures. However, a new trend in 2025 has disrupted negotiations for mid-round picks. Inspired by fully guaranteed contracts signed by second-rounders like Houston’s Jayden Higgins and Cleveland’s Carson Schwesinger, Sorrell and his representatives are reportedly demanding a similar guarantee for his four-year deal, estimated at $5.2 million with a $1.1 million signing bonus. This stance has created a standoff with the Packers, who have $28 million in cap space but are cautious about setting a precedent for fourth-round picks.

Sorrell, a 6’3”, 256-pound defensive end, was a standout at Texas, recording 15.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss over 40 starts, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in 2022 and 2023. His athleticism (9.31 Relative Athletic Score) and relentless motor made him a fan favorite when he celebrated his selection with a Lambeau Leap and “Go Pack Go” chants. The Packers saw him as a key addition to bolster their pass rush alongside Rashan Gary, especially after an inconsistent 2024 season from edges like Lukas Van Ness.

However, some analysts question whether Sorrell, projected by many as a Day 2 talent, warrants a fully guaranteed deal, given his “solid but not exceptional” PFF grades (71.8 pass rush, 72.4 run defense). Critics argue the Packers may view his demand as overreaching for a fourth-rounder, despite his high character and work ethic, praised by Texas coaches and his former economics professor.

Fans, initially charmed by Sorrell’s draft-day passion, are now venting on social media, calling the holdout a “betrayal” of the team’s trust. “He hugged Goodell, did a Lambeau Leap, and now he’s holding out? Ungrateful,” one fan posted on X. Others defend Sorrell, arguing he’s securing his future in a league where injuries, like his teammate Barryn Sorrell’s OTA injury, are a constant threat. The delay risks Sorrell missing training camp, critical for a rookie adapting to Jeff Hafley’s defensive scheme.

The question looms: Can the Packers and Sorrell bridge the gap without a fully guaranteed contract, or will this financial dispute derail his Green Bay journey? With training camp approaching, the standoff tests GM Brian Gutekunst’s negotiation strategy and Sorrell’s commitment to the franchise that embraced him.