Notable Absences at NFL OTAs: What’s Happening?
In this phase of the NFL offseason, the absence of key players in the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) generates expectations and speculation. The reasons vary, from seeking new contracts to the desire to be traded, and some remain a mystery.
Despite the news, some omissions in the OTAs are surprising and could have a significant impact on the teams, even incurring fines if players miss the mandatory minicamp that begins on Tuesday. According to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, players face a fine of $17,462 for missing one day of the mandatory minicamp, $34,925 for a second day, and $52,381 for the third and final day.
However, some players avoid these fines by showing up to practices and simply not participating. Below, a summary of the absences in the OTAs and what is expected in the minicamp.
Featured Players and Their Situations
Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons): The quarterback was present at some OTAs, but did not participate in the practices. Cousins seeks to be the starting quarterback and prefers to be released by the team, although the Falcons prefer to keep him as a backup.James Cook (Buffalo Bills): The running back was absent from voluntary OTAs seeking a new contract. Cook had his best season in 2023, and the team recognizes his importance.
Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals): The defensive end skipped the voluntary OTAs and has vowed not to play without a new contract. Hendrickson has been given permission to seek trade offers.
Shemar Stewart (Cincinnati Bengals): The defensive end was absent from the voluntary OTAs while awaiting new terms in his rookie contract.
Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys): The defensive position player was in the offseason program, but did not participate in OTAs. He is seeking a contract extension.
Jaire Alexander (Green Bay Packers): The cornerback will be released by the Packers. Both parties were frustrated at the end of last season, and they failed to reach an agreement for a revised contract.Elgton Jenkins (Green Bay Packers): The offensive lineman was absent from the entire offseason program. Jenkins wanted a contract adjustment to protect himself from the loss of future income.Jalen Ramsey (Miami Dolphins): The team is looking to trade the cornerback.Jonnu Smith (Miami Dolphins): The tight end is seeking a new contract after a standout season.T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers): The linebacker was absent from voluntary OTAs while negotiating a contract extension.
DK Metcalf (Pittsburgh Steelers): The receiver was absent from the voluntary OTAs practices.
Haason Reddick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Reddick did not participate in OTAs, but was at the team facilities on Monday.
Marshon Lattimore (Washington Commanders): The cornerback was absent from voluntary OTAs. Lattimore missed voluntary OTAs while playing for the Saints.
Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders): The receiver was absent from voluntary OTAs. McLaurin is in the final year of his contract and extension talks are ongoing.
Laremy Tunsil (Washington Commanders): The offensive tackle was absent from the voluntary OTAs.
