NFL training camp season is officially upon us, which means holdout/hold-in season is too as players seek new contracts.
One of the most contentious holdouts of the offseason came to an end on Friday when the Cincinnati Bengals reportedly reached a fully guaranteed deal with first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart. He was the final first-round pick of this draft class to get a deal done.
Advertisement
But there are plenty of contract negotiations and holdouts around the league.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook continues to practice, but he also emphasized Thursday his negotiations for an extension will continue. Cook has said on social media he wants $15 million a year, which would tie him for third-highest paid running back in the league.
“We have talks. … I mean, I deserve what I want, I need and it’s going to eventually happen,” he said, via ESPN.
Cook had his best season as a pro in 2024 with 1,009 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns in 16 games, as well as 32 catches for 258 yards and two more scores. He also didn’t lose a fumble.
Advertisement
What other big names either haven’t reported or aren’t taking full part in practice while seeking a new contract? Are their situations roiling or boiling? Here’s the latest, where we rank each situation by the attention and rancor from both sides.
Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons
Parsons is watching practice with back tightness Wednesday, and isn’t calling himself a hold-in. But he had some pointed responses to Jerry Jones’ wild media conference from Monday. This deal could have gotten done months ago, but in the interim, Myles Garrett and now T.J. Watt have reset the top end of the pass rush market. This could become the story of NFL training camps this year.
Advertisement
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]
Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson
Hendrickson left for Florida instead of reporting to Bengals camp over an offer he called “atrociously, atrociously low.” Hendrickson, the NFL’s reigning sack leader, reportedly wants guaranteed money past the first year, and Cincinnati hasn’t been willing to meet him there in negotiations. For their part, the Bengals have spoken positively and cordially about Hendrickson.
Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin
McLaurin didn’t report on Tuesday, and has been replaced on the reserve/did not report list for the time being. After a career year in 2024, he expressed frustration over the negotiations last week. This is something that could derail all the positive momentum in Washington the past two years, and a big one to watch.
Advertisement
Buffalo Bills RB James Cook
Cook has been practicing, but he continues to talk openly about his desire for a new contract. The Bills have been diplomatic too, but given Cook’s importance to the offense, this one could heat up.
Green Bay Packers OL Elgton Jenkins
Jenkins was in attendance as Packers reported to camp on Tuesday, but he’s not practicing Wednesday with what’s being listed as a back injury. Green Bay just paid offensive lineman Zach Tom record-setting signing bonus money as part of his new contract. Will Jenkins get one too?
San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings is officially practicing with the 49ers, which indicates he’s not planning to hold in. Head coach Kyle Shanahan disputed the report that Jennings had asked for a trade if he didn’t get a contract extension. This appears to be settled for the time being as Jennings seeks an extension.
Advertisement
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton
The Broncos’ No. 1 receiver was seen at practice participating in individual drills only while he reportedly seeks a new contract. Head coach Sean Payton downplayed the situation, which doesn’t seem all that hostile at the moment.
