Patriots, Top Pick Will Campbell Reportedly Working on 'Cash Flow' of Rookie Contract

The reason that the New England Patriots haven't signed rookie left tackle Will Campbell to a contract yet was revealed by ESPN's Mike Reiss on Sunday.

"The sides are working through details on cash flow, according to sources familiar with the talks," Reiss reported.

The Patriots selected Campbell with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

The 21-year-old is eligible to receive a four-year rookie deal worth just under $43.6 million that contains a standard fifth-year option for first-round picks, via Spotrac. It would include a $28.3 million signing bonus.

Campbell's situation isn't completely uncommon, as six other 2025 first-round picks have yet to sign rookie contracts with their respective teams. While some have chosen to sit out rookie minicamp while waiting for a deal, the former LSU standout has still participated in New England's offseason activities.

Campbell was a three-year starter in college with the Tigers and received AP Second-Team All-SEC honors during the 2023 season. He remained stellar in 2024, earning a consensus All-America nod.

He was a key offseason addition for a Patriots team focused on building around quarterback Drake Maye, who showed promise as a rookie last season despite getting sacked 34 times across 13 games played. New England allowed 52 sacks as a team in 2024, ranking No. 27 in the league.