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Why Jets LB Darron Lee still hasn't signed his rookie contract

Eventually, rookie LB Darron Lee will sign because he doesn't have much leverage. Bill Kostroun/AP

The New York Jets begin training camp in three days, and their first-round pick -- Darron Lee -- remains unsigned. He's an outlier in this era of rookie slotting. In fact, he's one of only three first-rounders who hasn't signed a contract.

The sticking point is believed to be the fourth-year guarantee. The players chosen from one to 19 received fully guaranteed salaries in the fourth year, according to Pro Football Talk. The exception is the San Diego Chargers' Joey Bosa, who has yet to sign. Once he signs, his fourth year will be fully guaranteed because of his draft position (third overall).

Lee, drafted 20th overall, no doubt wants his fourth year (about $1.8 million) to be guaranteed. The player picked after him, Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller, received a fully guaranteed $1.836 million, according to ESPN salary data. Fuller is represented by CAA's Todd France, who also reps Lee. Naturally, he's trying to do the same for Lee.

The Jets see it this way: The 22nd pick, Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson, received only a partial guarantee ($1.2 million of $1.8 million), as did the 20th pick in 2015, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor ($1.1 million of $1.7 million).

So, basically, the Jets and Lee's reps are battling over $600,000. Chances are, he'll get the money anyway because first-round picks usually don't get cut.

Eventually, Lee will sign because he doesn't have much leverage. When he does, it'll be a four-year deal for $10.2 million, plus a fifth-year team option.