While organized team activities conclude and we move on to mandatory minicamp, a majority of NFL veterans will be in attendance in the coming weeks as they get back into the daily grind of football. While these practices may just seem like meaningless drills, especially given the relax practice rules, they are an integral part of having a great season.
There are some players who choose to sit out of OTA’s and work out on their own. Many of them are holding out for contract extensions or pay raises, hoping to be given what they feel they are worth, while other veterans sit out for other reasons. Now I take a look at some of the star players who are sitting out and what impact it could have on themselves and the team.
Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans
It was reported in early May that Johnson was no longer happy with the direction the Texans were headed, and he was ready to be shipped off to another team. The franchise’s leader in every receiving category wanted out.
A month later, Johnson is still a member of the Texans as he enters his 12th season with the team. Johnson missed the entire Texans’ OTA’s and it is believed he will not report for minicamp. Texans’ running back Arian Foster has tried to persuade Johnson to stay, but has had little effect to this point.
Houston hasn’t commented on what it plans to do with Johnson if he continues to hold out. They are under a youth movement and with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their projected starting quarterback, they need all the help they can get at wide receiver. In the end, Johnson should return for training camp. Johnson can play through the season until hopefully he is one of the rare NFL players moved at the trade deadline.
Marshawn Lynch, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks
As the Seahawks head into minicamp with a target on their back from the rest of the NFL and immense attention from being the defending Super Bowl champions, the last thing they wanted is a holdout. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what they have with Lynch not reporting to camp as he awaits a new contract.
Lynch was the focal point of Seattle’s offense last season with 1,500 total yards and 14 total touchdowns. While he was quiet in a blowout Super Bowl victory, 39 rushing yards and one touchdown, Lynch combined for 249 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the previous two playoff games. “Beast Mode” delivered and now just wants to be paid for what he brought to Seattle.
While Lynch can certainly make some strong arguments why he deserves a pay raise given three straight seasons with 1,200 or more rushing yards and double-digit scores, there are too many factors going against him. Seattle drafted Christine Michael last year in the second round to be their future top back and they also have Robert Turbin who could share the load. Lynch is also 29, an age when we really start to see running backs take a noticeable decline. Even with Lynch’s reported thought of retirement if he doesn’t get a deal he likes, Seattle would most likely not bring him back anyways when his contract ends. The best move for both sides likely is for Lynch to just report for camp, finish out his contract and then retire.
Jimmy Graham, Tight End, New Orleans Saints
An issue that gas caused plenty of debate recently will be one of the more interesting legal battles to watch over the coming months. While Graham is a member of the Saints, he has yet to sign his franchise tender, as he fights with the Saints to classify himself as a wide receiver.
It’s a battle over $5 million, Graham would be given $7 million as a franchised tight end versus $12 million for a wide receiver. While it may seem like millionaires complaining about not being rich enough, it’s a key issue for football. Graham has been Drew Brees’ top target for the past three seasons, putting up numbers comparable to some of the best wide receivers in the game. He has lined up all over the field, but New Orleans’ classifies him as a tight end.
This is an issue that can be resolved fairly easily; all it takes is a big contract extension. The Saints have to realize that while they may have a very friendly system that boosts passing numbers, they won’t find another player close to Graham’s caliber. Yes, they might have to pay him $10 million per season, but he is more than worth it.
Alex Boone, Offensive Guard, San Francisco 49ers
It’s always a little surprising when you see a 49ers player holdout, but with money being spent left and right, someone was bound to want some of their own. Vernon Davis is seeking a bigger payday but has made it clear he will attend minicamp. This leaves Boone, who has remained a strong piece of the 49ers’ offensive line.
Boone was going to make $2.2 million next season, making him the 25th highest paid guard in the league. Boone has started every game the past two seasons for the 49ers and it’s reasonable for him to ask the franchise for a raise. While he won’t be able to reach the upper-echelon of players at his position, he could go for a $1.2 million boost.
The 49ers still have some financial flexibility thanks to Colin Kaepernick’s team-friendly deal and numerous other veterans willing to take pay cuts. The bad news for Boone is he isn’t at the top of the pecking order, sitting behind at least Michael Crabtree and Aldon Smith. This will not be a distraction for the 49ers as they should get it resolved very quickly, in the mean time younger linemen will be given more reps in Boone’s absence.
Justin Houston, Outside Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs
The biggest reason for the Chiefs’ breakout season last year was their phenomenal defense. During their 9-0 run, the Chiefs’ defense was unstoppable and especially relentless getting after the quarterback. Now that the Chiefs have enjoyed the reward, it’s time for them to pay one of their star linebackers.
Houston has already established himself as one of the best pass rushers in the game, quickly developing from the raw athlete into a phenomenal rusher off the edge. After posting 10 sacks over 16 games in 2012, Houston was even better this past season with 11 sacks in 11 games. The 25-year-old could have had an even better season if not for a PCL sprain late in the year.
Houston failed to report to OTA’s as he seeks a new contract, as he approaches the end of his rookie contract. Kansas City has a lot of control over Houston’s contract given they can franchise him before he hits free agency, but franchise tags usually end up messy. Given Houston’s age, current production and potential to be an even better player, he easily can be worth almost $10 million per year.
It should only be a matter of time before both parties come to the negotiating table and hammer out a deal, but Houston will likely come after quarterback Alex Smith. Kansas City holds the leverage right now, but it will ultimately come down to them needing Houston back. The holdout may last a little while, but it should result in a positive outcome for both sides.