Tate Ratledge, Lions’ 2nd-Round Pick, Inks Rookie Deal Ahead of Training Camp
The Detroit Lions have officially locked in their entire 2025 draft class, as second-round selection Tate Ratledge has agreed to terms on his rookie contract. According to insider Jordan Schultz, Ratledge signed his deal on Thursday, clearing the way for him to report to training camp—just in time, as rookies began arriving on Wednesday.
A league-wide delay in second-round signings had been caused by the Houston Texans deviating from standard practice. They gave receiver Jayden Higgins a fully guaranteed contract—a rarity for a second-round pick. That move sparked a ripple effect, with the Las Vegas Raiders also handing a fully guaranteed deal to Carson Schwesinger, drafted 33rd overall.
For a time, those two were the only second-round picks under contract. But once the San Francisco 49ers secured an agreement with Alfred Collins (43rd overall) on a less-than-fully-guaranteed deal Wednesday night, things moved quickly. Ratledge followed suit the next day, finalizing his contract.
Ratledge is expected to play a key role in Detroit’s upcoming season. Following veteran center Frank Ragnow’s surprising retirement, the rookie could be in line to step in at center. Though he’s relatively inexperienced at the position, getting him into camp on time is crucial so he can get valuable practice reps.
With Ratledge’s contract settled, all eyes now turn to the arrival of the Lions’ veteran players on Saturday, ahead of the full training camp kickoff on Sunday.
