Most NFL teams are now on summer break, with only the Chicago Bears, who recently held a mandatory minicamp, and the Detroit Lions, who are skipping it this year, still in offseason practice. The remaining mandatory minicamps feature eight notable players, including new signings, unhappy players, contract holdouts, and rookies.
On Tuesday, Aaron Rodgers will have his first practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a one-year deal following extended negotiations. Although Rodgers joined late and will only have three days of offseason practice before training camp, his experience and prior work with his new top receiver, DK Metcalf, should help him quickly adapt.
Kirk Cousins’s participation in mandatory minicamps remains uncertain as he seeks a trade from the Atlanta Falcons, who currently have Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback. A trade could be viable if another team agrees to take on a significant portion of Cousins’s guaranteed money.
Joe Hendrickson is holding out for a new contract and refuses to play without one. He missed OTAs and was warned by Bengals coach Zach Taylor about potential fines for missing mandatory minicamps, yet he remains firm in expressing his position.
The rookie contract situation remains tense for a few first-round picks such as Stewart, who has not practiced due to unresolved contract issues despite being present with the Bengals. Meanwhile, Parsons has attended minicamps but his full participation might indicate if any progress has been made on renegotiating his deal.
Terry McLaurin, coming off a contract extension, skipped the mandatory minicamp as he had wanted while still negotiating previously. Meanwhile, All-Pro edge rusher Watt, who also skipped OTAs while seeking a contract extension, will be a key player to watch for minicamp attendance, amid speculation about his future in Pittsburgh.
Running back Cook, entering the final year of his rookie contract, has also missed OTAs and minicamps as he seeks a new deal after a career-best season. Other draft class members from Buffalo have already secured extensions.
Ben Arthur, an NFL reporter for Fox Sports, covers these offseason developments and their implications for the teams and players involved.
Fan Take: This offseason drama highlights the increasing impact of contract negotiations and player holdouts on team cohesion and preparedness. NFL fans should watch closely as these situations could influence team performance and player dynamics heading into the season, potentially shifting the balance of power in the league.
