NFL holdout tracker: Who isn’t attending offseason practices? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
It’s still July, but football isn’t as far away as you think.
As summer continues, all 32 teams have kicked off training camp and the preseason is inching closer.
Players already went through weeks of OTAs and mandatory minicamp earlier in the offseason. While these practices gave some players an opportunity to stand out on the field, others took them as a chance to stand out off the field. Several key performers skipped mandatory summer practices, whether that was to send a message about wanting a new contract or trade.
Here’s a look at all the NFL training camp holdouts and players seeking a new contract:
What NFL players are holding out in 2022?
Roquan Smith, Chicago Bears
When you make Second-Team All-Pro for consecutive seasons, it’s easy to start wondering how much money you’ll make in your next contract. That’s the situation for Smith, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the 25-year-old linebacker won’t participate in training camp because of his contract negotiations. Smith has not received an offer that he would “remotely consider,” according to Rapoport. Smith did report for the beginning of camp, but he is “holding in” – which means he’s with the team but not participating in any drills.
Jessie Bates, Cincinnati Bengals
Fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, Bates was seeking a new contract rather than playing on the franchise tag. He skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp, insisting that he wouldn’t play this season on the $12.911 million franchise tender.
No deal was reached before the extension deadline, and Bates isn’t attending training camp. He will not be subject to monetary fines because he has not signed his franchise tender. Bates, who was Second-Team All-Pro in 2020, was instrumental in the Bengals’ run through the AFC playoffs last season.
Orlando Brown Jr., Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ starting left tackle wanted a long-term deal after he was franchise-tagged in March, and he obviously didn’t get it. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolothe team offered Brown a deal worth $18.2 million per season for five years, but he was looking for more security.
Brown did not attend mandatory minicamp and he still has not signed his $16.662 million franchise tender, which meant he was not required to attend minicamp. Like Bates, Brown will not be subject to fines while he holds out of training camp because he has not signed the tender.