Training camp is finally just about here for both the Jets and the Giants. Thursday will bring the first practice of the year for both Adam Gase's team and Pat Shurmur's squad.
Both the Jets and Giants will be returning to the practice fields to get acquainted with new coaches, new teammates and plans for the new season. It's almost like the first day of school, as players come together as a group for the first time. But there could be some notable absences for both teams if some contracts go unsigned.
The Jets are still waiting for third overall pick Quinnen Williams to sign his rookie deal, and the Giants are still waiting to come to an agreement with Daniel Jones. Both players could miss time during training camp if they aren't signed soon.
According to multiple reports, the issue between Williams and the Jets is about the signing bonus given to the rookie. Apparently, the team wants to defer most of that money to a later point, which would reportedly cost Williams around $100,000. Signing bonuses are typically one of a rookie player's first big pay days as a professional.
Jones and the Giants have yet to agree to a contract, but there aren't really any indications as to why. The team just signed third-round pick Oshane Ximines, which leaves Jones as the only draft pick still without a deal. Shurmur and his staff will want Jones to be signed as quickly as possible to maximize the amount of time they get to work with the young quarterback during the preseason.
But Jones and Williams aren't the only two top picks from this year's draft who remain unsigned. Nick Bosa went ahead of Williams, but he has yet to reach a deal with the 49ers. The Buccaneers haven't signed Devin White, who was taken a spot before the Giants shocked the world by drafting Jones.
The Jets and Giants meet on August 8th in what will be the first preseason game for both teams.
