In the 365-days-a-year cycle that is the NFL, the latest headline grabber is the start of mandatory mini-camp. The three-day events are in full swing, with ten teams having already completed them and another 18 set to begin at some point this week.
While it's not exactly must-see stuff - guys are just running around in helmets and shorts with no contact - the intrigue comes not from who is on the field... it's who isn't. Whether it's displeasure with the front office or a desire for a new contract, every year some of the game's biggest stars are no-shows, and 2021 is no different. Here are some of the notable names who skipped out:
49ers, Colts, Eagles & Texans: For starters, there are four teams who straight up chose not to partake in mandatory mini-camp, at least in an "official" capacity. In San Francisco's case, it was largely because three players suffered significant injuries that will cost them large chunks (if not all) of the season. Houston canceled the mandatory portion because, according to head coach David Culley, the team accomplished plenty in the voluntary portion -- and now they won't have to deal with more Deshaun Watson headlines.
Both Philly and Indy canceled their minicamps last week. For both teams, the front offices and players made handshake deals: show up for two weeks of voluntary workouts and OTAs and mini-camp will be nixed. It comes as the NFLPA has increasingly spoken out against the increase in intensity of the offseason programs, leading to preventable injuries.
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Aaron Rodgers: Now to the tabloid-type stuff. By now you've probably heard a thing or two about the Aaron Rodgers' drama in Green Bay. He doesn't appear to want to be there anymore... and the language out of the Packers' front office isn't exactly screaming "COME BACK AARON!". As the standoff continues, Rodgers was a no-show at last week's minicamp, earning himself the maximum fine of $93,085 (for context, that's about 0.43 percent of what he earned last year... he can afford it). It's the story of the NFL offseason so far, and it appears to be far from over with the preseason two months away.
Chandler Jones: The three-time Pro Bowler is holding out of Cardinals' minicamp in search of a new long-term deal. His money for 2021 is good - he'll take home about $15.5 million in cash - but his contract expires after this year. At age 31 it would appear to be his last chance at a long-term deal, so instead of playing out the year and potentially seeing the well dry up in 2022, he's holding out in hopes of A) signing a long-term deal with Arizona or B) being dealt to someone who will ink that deal.
Jamal Adams: It's been a while since Adams has had a quiet offseason. A year after his public dispute with the Jets led to a blockbuster trade to Seattle, the safety is still in search of a new deal. Entering the final year of his rookie contract and due to make $9.8 million, the three-time Pro Bowler is ready for a big payday. After skipping all of the voluntary portion of team workouts, the 25-year-old isn't expected to show up to Tuesday's mandatory practice. Both Adams and the Seahawks have both said they want him to remain in Seattle long-term, but they aren't relatively close on a deal. For context, the league's highest-paid safety (Denver's Justin Simmons) makes $15.1 million a year. Expect Adams to want something above that.
Stephon Gilmore: The Patriots' star cornerback also appears to want a new deal. Entering the final year of a five-year, $65-million deal signed in 2017, New England has moved money around to the point where the 31-year-old is due $7 million this year. Similar to Jones, time isn't on Gilmore's side, so this could be his last chance at a big payday. Though an average of $13 million a year is obviously good money, since Gilmore signed his contract the cornerback market has only gone up, with Jalen Ramsey now leading the way among CBs by making over $20 million per season.