The language in Lance’s contract is likely why he hasn’t signed yet.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance is one of two first-round draft picks who remains unsigned, along with New York Jets QB Zach Wilson.
Pro Football Talk reported that Wilson’s holdup arises from issues like signing bonus cash flow and offsets for guaranteed money. For comparison, No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence received all of his signing bonuses within 15 days of signing his deal with the Jaguars.
The same thing happened with Sam Darnold with the Jets. Wilson is repped by an agent who was formerly with Create Artists Agency, better known as “CAA,” who also happens to represent Lance. This is Tom Condon’s agency, which is one of the biggest in the game.
It’s safe to say the contract language is what’s holding up Lance signing his deal. 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke to the media Tuesday and said, “we’re sure hopeful that he (Lance) does (sign soon). Sometimes these things, I just look at our history since we’ve been here. We’ve never had a holdout. It always seems to go down to the wire. It’s important that he is here.”
If Lance isn’t signed before the 49ers take the field Wednesday morning at 10:17 a.m. then he can’t practice. Lance won’t fall lose out his opportunity to start because he misses a couple of practices, but Lynch admitted that each rep matters:
“I think for any rookie, for every player, every rep counts, every meeting counts, but in particular at that position. So we’re hopeful and expecting that Trey will be here and certainly know the importance of him being here.”
Here’s to hoping Lance signs his contract sooner than later so this situation doesn’t linger or become something we have to discuss daily. That’s the last thing the rookie needs hanging over his head.