2022 NFL holdout candidates: Washington WR Terry McLaurin skips camp
WASHINGTON (BVM) – With mandatory minicamp kicking off around the NFL, players around the league are looking to cash in on their own big paydays before the 2022 season begins. A busy offseason has led to much larger price tags for teams looking to sign some of their stars and has led to some public back-and-forths on the contract front.
With Ian Rapoport’s recent report that Terry McLaurin will not be showing up to Washington Commanders’ mandatory camp, he becomes the first of likely many at the wideout position that are looking for a new deal. Behind the markets set by Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, and AJ Brown earlier on this offseason, the cost of doing business at the position has gone up.
With the franchise tag deadline and training camp right around the corner, here’s some names that could potentially hold out before the upcoming season:
DK Metcalf
Seahawks’ star wideout has already made it known the past few months that the changing roster may not benefit him as he heads towards the close of his rookie contract. After skipping out on the team’s mandatory minicamp, it’s unknown whether the fourth-year receiver is looking for more than just a new deal as he rehabs from foot surgery in Los Angeles. The trade of Russell Wilson has certainly complicated the current issue as Seattle heads towards a training camp quarterback battle between Drew Lock and Geno Smith.
Deebo Samuel
The 49ers all-purpose star has been top of mind since the beginning of the offseason after concerns came out surrounding his new contract extension. With questions about where that may slot in with Samuel’s work as both a wide receiver and running back, things have not progressed far enough up until this point that he will have a new one in-hand any time soon. If Samuel holds out, it’s going to be nearly impossible for San Francisco to replace the production left from the team’s main focal point last year.
Terry McLaurin
McLaurin’s situation has gone under the radar compared to the news surrounding Samuel and Metcalf the past few months. The Washington wideout is most certainly looking for a new deal that would put him near the top of the league at his position. After nearly three straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards, McLaurin has all but proved he can get it done with almost anyone at quarterback. With Carson Wentz set for his first season with the Commanders, things haven’t gone as planned for a duo who are still looking to get some much needed reps in together.
Jessie Bates III
Bates was the spark plug behind a much improved Bengals defense that helped Cincinnati to its first Super Bowl appearance since 1989. The 25-year-old safety is one of the few non-wide receivers that could be a possible holdout as he continues to search for a new contract. Bates had the franchise tag placed on him earlier this year, which would allow him to earn nearly $13 million this season. The July 15 tag deadline will be the date to watch as the Bengals’ rising star looks to cash in on a deal similar to Denver Broncos’ safety Justin Simmons or Seahawks’ Jamal Adams.
Minkah Fitzpatrick
The star safety opted against participating in any of the Steelers’ team drills but has been available for much of the individual practice periods so far this offseason. Fitzpatrick looks to be taking the same route as fellow teammate TJ Watt took last year, as Watt inked a last minute deal before the season kicked off. With his status still up in the air as things progress, Fitzpatrick will be the one to look out for heading into next month’s training camp start.
