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Since the new collective bargaining agreement has been in place, teams have had a much easier time signing their drafted rookies. A few short years ago, unproven rookies holding out on signing their contracts was a common thing. Bengals fans experienced this on multiple occasions in the past, most recently with right tackle Andre Smith. The new CBA, however, includes a new rookie pay scale that allows teams to pay their veterans what they deserve and give a little less to the rookies who haven't yet earned multi-million dollar contracts yet.
Based on last year's draft, we can somewhat predict what players that were drafted this year will sign contracts for. We've already gone through the first and second rounds, which means it's time to take a look at the Bengals' third-round picks -- wide receiver Mohamed Sanu and defensive tackle Brandon Thompson.
Last year at No. 83, where Sanu was selected this year, the Giants selected wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan from Troy. Jernigan signed a four-year contract with the Giants worth $2.615 million. Next, at No. 93 in 2011, which is where the Bengals grabbed Thompson, the Bears selected safety Chris Conte out of Cal. He signed a four-year contract shortly after worth $2.604 million.
These contracts will be similar to what the Bengals will be able to sign Sanu and Thompson for in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned for news on Bengals signings heading into the 2012 season.