Lions ink Kenny Golladay, complete signings of 2017 draft class

On Monday morning the Detroit Lions announced they have signed third-round draft pick Kenny Golladay. With this signing the Lions’ complete 2017 draft class is now under contract.

Back in May, the Lions signed eight of their other draft picks, including first-round pick Jarrad Davis. Golladay was the only “holdout,” but it is common for third-round pick contract negotiations to take a little longer. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press explains:

Rookies mostly receive slotted contracts under the current collective bargaining agreement, but third-round picks are considered to have the most wiggle room when it comes to their base salaries in Years 2-4.

There were never any signs that Golladay was truly holding out, as he was a full participant in organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.

Not only was Golladay present during those practices, but he was one of the biggest standouts. “Golladay, you guys have seen him out there running around,” Jim Caldwell told reporters last week. “(He) can make plays.”

Golladay was still behind TJ Jones in terms of reps over the last month of practices, but he’s expected to immediately compete for a starting job once training camp opens in July. For now, the Lions can rest easy knowing that contract negotiations won’t be a distraction for the rookie receiver.