The Philadelphia Eagles were thrilled when they were able to draft Texas safety Andrew Mukuba. The hard-hitting safety was seen as a perfect replacement for the outspoken and now departed Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
There is a major problem with Mukuba, though. And it has nothing to do with on-field prowess.
It has everything to do with his current contract status.
Like so many other current second-round picks, Mukuba has yet to sign his rookie contract. A holdup over guaranteed money is a big reason why 30 of 32 second-round rookies across the NFL have yet to be signed at this stage as well.
Mukuba led the SEC last season with five interceptions and was a key part in the Longhorns' run to the College Football Playoff. If he can find a way to get on the field early, it will only help the Eagles' long-term trajectory.
And ahead of camp, Mukuba was already turning heads during offseason workouts.
"Just seeing him out there, seeing the way he moves around, things like that," DeVonta Smith said at his fourth annual celebrity softball game at Coca-Cola Park recently, remarking on his impression of the rookie. "The way he goes about his business."
Philadelphia needs Mukuba on the field - in some capacity - as early as possible. The defense under coordinator Vic Fangio is a complex system that takes time to learn. Mukuba will need all the reps he can get to fully grasp what is being asked of him.
The issue for now is of course the fact that rookies cannot practice with their teams if they don't have a signed contract.
He'll miss precious time if he can't figure out a way to get a deal done with the Eagles. ... putting Philly in the same position as so many other NFL clubs with the same exact concern.