Packer Second-Round Pick Agrees to Surprisingly Low Contract

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers’ second-round pick, Anthony Belton, has signed a surprisingly low contract, sources confirmed to ESPN. After initially holding out and facing a team ultimatum to sign before training camp on July 23, 2025, Belton is now fully committed to chasing a Super Bowl with the Packers.

Drafted 54th overall from NC State, Belton inked a four-year, $7.2 million deal with just $1.8 million guaranteed, per Spotrac. This is notably below the $8.01 million benchmark with $2.466 million in guaranteed money typically expected for mid-second-round picks, according to CBS Sports.

Belton, a 6’6”, 336-pound offensive tackle nicknamed “Big Escalade” for his smooth athleticism, initially pushed for a fully guaranteed contract, stalling talks through minicamp, per Packers On SI. His holdout echoed rare cases of draft picks threatening to sit out, but the Packers’ firm deadline prompted a change of heart.

“I thought about holding out for more guarantees, maybe pushing for a bigger deal,” Belton said, per Packers.com. “But I realized I want to be part of this team’s Super Bowl run. Green Bay’s where I belong, and I’m all-in.”

Belton’s 33 starts at left tackle for NC State and his standout Senior Bowl performance make him a versatile fit for Green Bay’s offensive line, which includes free agent Aaron Banks and rookie Jordan Morgan. Offensive line coach Luke Butkus praised Belton’s lateral movement, noting his potential to compete at guard or tackle, per SI.com.

The Packers, coming off a 2024 Divisional Round appearance, are banking on Belton to bolster their line as they aim to challenge NFC powerhouses like the Philadelphia Eagles. With $12.4 million in cap space, GM Brian Gutekunst lauded Belton’s team-first mindset: “Anthony’s sacrifice shows he’s a Packer for life,” he said, per PackersNews.com.

Fans on Reddit’s r/GreenBayPackers erupted with excitement: “Big Escalade’s locked in!” one user posted. The signing resolves one of two holdouts, with fourth-rounder Barryn Sorrell still unsigned as of July 4, 2025, per The Athletic.

As training camp nears, Belton’s commitment fuels optimism for a deep playoff run. Can he help pave the way for a Super Bowl LIX appearance? Stay tuned to ESPN for updates!