Obligatory minicamps began Tuesday, which additionally marks the start of holdout season for gamers in search of contract extensions.
Gamers who maintain out of minicamp are topic to fines. According to NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, gamers may be fined as much as $104,768 in the event that they miss all three days of minicamp. Gamers generally are prepared to pay the fines if it results in a group caving and giving them a brand new deal.
With that in thoughts, here is a rating of the foremost holdouts from most to least regarding:
1. Cincinnati Bengals edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter
Hendrickson and the Bengals aren’t in a great place. In Could, the 30-year-old pass-rusher told The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. he will not play on the final 12 months of his deal, which is about to pay him $15.8M. He stated he was “disenchanted” with contract negotiations a number of instances throughout a 25-minute dialog.
The Bengals, in the meantime, do not appear prepared to budge. On the league conferences in April, Cincinnati govt vp Katie Blackburn stated, “A few of it’s on [Hendrickson] to be pleased sooner or later” (h/t Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer).
The Bengals have allowed Hendrickson to hunt a commerce, however extending him can be a greater transfer for the group. Final season, he had a league-leading 17.5 sacks in 17 regular-season video games and earned a first-team All-Professional nod.
With out Hendrickson, Cincinnati’s pass-rush would falter. Edge-rusher Joseph Ossai completed second on the group in sacks (5 in 17 video games) final season. The Bengals took Texas A&M edge-rusher Shemar Stewart with decide No. 17 within the NFL Draft, however he logged solely 4.5 sacks in three seasons with the Aggies.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Stewart nonetheless hasn’t signed his rookie contract and is holding in at minicamp, giving Hendrickson much more leverage.
2. Washington Commanders extensive receiver Terry McLaurin, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini
In a story published Tuesday, Russini and The Athletic’s Ben Standig reported McLaurin has grown “annoyed” with contract negotiations and has skipped OTAs. He did the identical earlier than he signed a three-year, $68.36M extension in June 2022.
The Commanders acquired WR Deebo Samuel Sr. in a commerce with the San Francisco 49ers in March, but it surely’s simple to argue McLaurin is the higher participant.
In 15 video games with the 49ers final season, Samuel had 51 receptions for 670 yards and three landing catches. McLaurin, in the meantime, had 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 TD catches.
The Commanders appear to comprehend McLaurin is a helpful weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels. In March, Washington normal supervisor Adam Peters told the media, “We wish to make Terry a Commander for a very long time.”
With the Commanders feeling McLaurin is a key member of the franchise, do not be shocked in the event that they signal him quickly.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers edge-rusher T.J. Watt, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo
On a May episode of his podcast, longtime Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly stated the group has made a “substantial” provide for Watt, however “it is most likely not” what he desires.
Watt — coming into the ultimate 12 months of a four-year, $112.01M deal — might desire a deal that pays him the identical or greater than Cleveland Browns edge-rusher Myles Garrett. In March, Garrett — 2023 Defensive Participant of the 12 months — signed a four-year, $160M extension with the Browns.
Like Garrett, Watt is an elite pass-rusher. He received 2021 DPOY and has earned 4 first-team All-Professional nods in eight seasons with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh has remained assured it will signal Watt. At the NFL Scouting Combine in February, Steelers normal supervisor Omar Khan stated he is “hopeful” Watt will spend the remainder of his profession with the Steelers, as former Pittsburgh extensive receiver Hines Ward and security Troy Polamalu did.
The Steelers might have to extend their provide to signal Watt, however Khan’s feedback counsel they’re prepared to do this.
