Why Ravens OLB David Ojabo is the only rookie holding out
By Justin Fried
The Baltimore Ravens have signed all but one member of their 2022 NFL Draft class at the time of writing, the lone unsigned player being second-round pick David Ojabo.
In fact, Ojabo remains the only unsigned rookie in the entire NFL. As the Ravens began training camp this week, Ojabo was the only unexcused absentee, but the organization isn’t particularly concerned.
After all, it’s not as if Ojabo would be participating anyway. The former Michigan standout is still recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered during the pre-draft process and would likely be placed on the active/non-football injury list upon signing anyway.
Still, it’s safe to say that the Ravens would like for him to be signed. So what’s taking so long? Why, of the 262 picks, is Ojabo the only rookie who remains unsigned? There’s actually a fairly straightforward reason for it.
Why the Ravens have yet to sign David Ojabo
The Ravens are hardly the only team that has had trouble signing their second-round pick. It’s actually been a common issue this year, largely due to the Houston Texans.
The Texans fully guaranteed the third year of their second-round pick, Jalen Pitre’s, contract. The move was an unprecedented one, and it set off a chain of events that led to Ojabo remaining unsigned.
While draft picks are slotted, meaning that the exact value of the contract can’t be negotiated, teams/agents are free to alter structure and guarantees. And when one player gets something, the others around them want the same.
That, at its core, is why Ojabo remains unsigned. But why have all the other second-round picks eventually signed their contracts? What’s the hold-up with Ojabo, specifically?
In short, neither side is feeling the pressure to get a deal done immediately. As previously stated, Ojabo would be sidelined with an injury regardless. The Ravens would like to have him at the team’s facilities, but it’s not as if he’s missing valuable practice time.
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David Ojabo remains the lone rookie holdout as we approach the end of July, but the Ravens are confident that they’ll get a deal done before long. For now, all we can do is wait.