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Cardinals and 2nd-round pick Will Johnson agree to rookie contract

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 8:16 PM ET

GLENDALE – On the first day of training camp this 2025 offseason, the Arizona Cardinals announce to signing of 2nd-round pick Will Johnson to his rookie contract. Johnson is the last draftee from Arizona’s April draft class to sign his contract, as a league-wide contract issues arose with 2nd-round picks because the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans giving out fully-guaranteed rookie contracts to their 33th and 34th pick (LB Carson Schwesigner and WR Jayden Higgins).

Soon after many fellow 2nd-round picks demanded similar fully guaranteed money contracts. A majority of players selected in the first half of round received that guaranteed, with a fall off towards the second half. Reports haven’t indicated if Johnson was able to get a fully guaranteed deal, but regardless, the former Michigan Wolverine is ready for training camp.

Cardinals announce signing Johnson:

First day of training camp
Signs rookie contract pic.twitter.com/J35a6R7ybK

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 22, 2025

Johnson was the most highly-touted cornerback prospect in the 2025 draft. The 22-year-old was a projected top-10 pick before injury concerns dropped his stock significantly, for Arizona to swoop in at 47th overall to snatch him. Drafting Johnson was a blessing for the franchise, as last year’s CB1 Sean Murphy-Bunting suffered a season-ending injury this offseason, leaving a hole in the Cardinals secondary.

The 2023 National Champion defensive MVP had one of the highest Game IQs of anyone in his draft class, with his 6’1 frame making him the most anticipated ball hawks for the defense next year. Johnson leads a Cardinals draft class that will be relied on heavily for the team to make a serious playoff push for the first time since 2021.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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