NFL training camp season is officially upon us, which means holdout/hold-in season is too as players seek new contracts.
Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is “real close” to a new contract, head coach Sean Payton told reporters on Monday. He’s been practicing throughout training camp, so this was never a drama-filled negotiation.
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If you want drama, look no further than Micah Parsons, who continues to attend practices but is sitting out with what he’s calling back tightness.
After fans chanted during practice for the Cowboys to “pay Micah,” team executive Stephen Jones responded by saying Parsons “has to want to get paid.” Add that to the list of odd comments Cowboys leadership has made about Parsons during these heated negotiations.
Elsewhere, Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin reported to training camp Sunday morning, technically ending his holdout with the team, but he is not expected to practice until he has a new contract.
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.
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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.
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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 ended his holdout by reporting to the Commanders on Sunday morning, but is not expected to practice until he has a new contract. The two sides have not made progress on a new deal, ESPN reported.
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McLaurin will no longer be fined $50,000 a day for missing camp. Washington placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list with an ankle injury while the two sides attempt to negotiate a new contract.
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?
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San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings has been officially practicing with the 49ers, which indicates he’s not planning to hold in, though he did leave Sunday’s practice with a calf injury. 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.
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.
