Mandatory minicamp season is underway, and across the league, attendance-or lack thereof-is making headlines. While some stars are using their presence to reconnect with teams, others are skipping out entirely, setting the stage for tense negotiations, possible trades, or training camp drama.
The stakes are no longer symbolic. Skipping a day of minicamp means a $17,462 fine. By Day 3? That jumps to $52,381. Not surprisingly, some veterans are showing up just enough to avoid the financial hit-while making their displeasure clear in other ways.
Now that OTAs are in the rearview mirror, here’s a look at the biggest names whose absences (or minimal participation) are shaping the conversation this week.
Hendrickson, McLaurin and Watt Lead the Holdout Headlines
Trey Hendrickson has officially entered holdout territory. The Bengals edge rusher hasn’t practiced all offseason and wants a long-term deal with more guaranteed money. Coach Zac Taylor texted him the fine breakdown-a sign Cincinnati is running out of patience.
In Washington, wideout Terry McLaurin is following a familiar script. He skipped minicamp back in 2022 before landing an extension. This time, he held out just before the final year of his current deal, fresh off a 13-touchdown season.
And in Pittsburgh, T.J. Watt is also sitting out. While he’s kept quiet publicly, he recently posted a photo flashing a peace sign in a Steelers jersey. With Myles Garrett’s record-setting $40M/year deal looming in the background, Watt’s future price tag might be climbing by the day.
Contract Stalemates, Trade Rumors, and One Notable Rookie Dispute
In Atlanta, Kirk Cousins showed up for the first day of minicamp but skipped OTAs altogether. He reportedly wants out after being leapfrogged by rookie Michael Penix Jr., though his $27.5M guaranteed for 2025 complicates any trade or release.
Green Bay is facing change on multiple fronts. The team plans to release star CB Jaire Alexander after failing to restructure his contract. Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins skipped the entire offseason after being shifted to center without a pay adjustment.
Meanwhile in Miami, the front office is working on a post-June 1 trade for Jalen Ramsey. His minicamp absence is excused, but tight end Jonnu Smith’s isn’t-despite coming off a career-best season.
The Bengals also have a rookie contract snag: first-round pick Shemar Stewart hasn’t signed his participation waiver, stalling his on-field debut.
Whether it’s quiet frustration, public contract demands, or strategic no-shows, the drama this week is less about what’s happening on the field-and more about who’s missing from it.
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