The commencement of NFL preseason activities signifies the start of negotiations, with players aiming for amended contracts.
Discussions surrounding Terry McLaurin’s contract with the Washington Commanders took an interesting turn on Thursday, as reports surfaced about his trade request. The notable wide receiver had previously joined the training camp but had been sidelined from practices due to a reported ankle issue.
However, due to lack of an contract resolution, McLaurin has amplified his demands. The Commanders are said to be against trading their key wide receiver.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson remains unsigned, having appeared at camp this week without a new contract agreement. Hendrickson will not be subjected to $50,000 daily fines for attending; however, according to ESPN, a solution between him and the Bengals appears to be at a standstill.
The Bengals were able to resolve another contractual situation early in camp, reportedly agreeing to a four-year agreement, completely secured for $18.97 million, with freshman first-round selection Shemar Stewart.
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The Dallas Cowboys’ negotiations with Micah Parsons have become a major concern. Tensions remain high, with ESPN announcing on Tuesday that the negotiations have stalled between the two parties, and they are “further from a contract” now than they were in the spring.
Which other key players have yet to report or are not fully participating in practice due to their pursuit of new contracts? Are their respective situations creating friction? Here’s an updated look, with each situation ranked according to the level of concern and antagonism from each side.
Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons
“Both parties have moved backwards, not forwards. I don’t believe they’re in contact very often these days, if at all,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Tuesday. “These negotiations, back when they existed, have gone awry. It’s not a negotiation currently. No one is talking about completing an agreement.” This follows Jerry Jones’ extensive season-opening media address last Monday, which caused conflict between the team (“Parsons has to want to be paid”) and the prominent player (“I’m not here” for Jerry Jones). The Cowboys typically prolong contract extensions, but the level of aggression seems to be increasing.
Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin
McLaurin reported to the Commanders on Sunday morning, though his trade request indicates negotiations aren’t going well. ESPN reported that the two sides haven’t progressed on an agreement. Is this trade request simply a technique to pressure Washington, or is it legitimate?
Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson
Hendrickson’s presence at camp on Wednesday does not necessarily indicate a reduction in tensions. If anything, it appears to be a wise move considering the $50,000 fine he faces for each absent practice. It doesn’t change the fact that Hendrickson displayed his passive-aggressive side by posting about being in Florida as camp began last week, and that he described a recent Bengals offer as “unacceptably, unacceptably poor.” This issue remains critical.
Buffalo Bills RB James Cook
Cook has been practicing, but he continues to address his desire for a new agreement. “I deserve what I want,” he declared last week. What exactly does Cook want? $15 million per year, according to his social media, which would tie him for the third highest-paid running back. It is yet to be determined whether the Bills agree.
Green Bay Packers OL Elgton Jenkins
Jenkins stated that he skipped OTAs due to a “family matter,” not his contract situation. He was retrieved from the NFI list last week and trained Monday, including playing center and snapping to Jordan Love. Green Bay recently paid offensive lineman Zach Tom record-breaking signing bonus money as part of his new agreement. Will Jenkins get one as well? And how will his move from guard to center influence the contract?
San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings has been officially practicing with the 49ers, suggesting he is not intending to hold out, while he has missed a few workouts due to a calf injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan denied allegations that Jennings sought a trade if he did not get a contract extension. The injury adds an intriguing element to Jennings’ quest for an extension.
