Dallas is buzzing as the NFL gets ready to kick off its summer break, a brief pause before training camps begin later in July. After the excitement of organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps, teams brace for a quieter time, unless contract disputes steal the spotlight. This offseason has seen several star players holding out, hoping for new deals.
Micah Parsons is one player to watch closely. The Dallas Cowboys linebacker is entering the final year of his rookie deal, worth $24 million through the fifth-year option. Parsons has made a name for himself as the only player in NFL history to collect 12 or more sacks in each of his first four seasons. With 52.5 sacks to his credit, he’s on track to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, likely surpassing Ja’Marr Chase’s average salary of $40.25 million. However, talks seem to be stagnant, as Parsons has skipped voluntary OTAs while negotiations continue.
The Cincinnati Bengals are also facing a pressing situation with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. He has one year left worth $15.8 million, but with his impressive stats—70.5 sacks over the last five seasons—he’s in for a pay raise. The Bengals already extended contracts for their top receivers but have yet to strike a deal with Hendrickson. They’ve given him permission to seek a trade, but he’s hesitant to focus on short-term solutions.
Meanwhile, T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers finds himself in a similar boat. With 73.5 sacks over the last five years, he’s been a defensive powerhouse but is reportedly underpaid at $21 million this year. Now in his final year of the four-year extension he signed back in 2021, fans and analysts alike are curious to see how contract talks unfold.
On the offensive side, Dalvin Cook of the Buffalo Bills struggles with his contract too. Although he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season, making just $5.271 million this year is far from reflective of his contributions. With his talent, he’s seeking a hefty salary around $15 million, but it’s unclear if the Bills will meet his demands.
Finally, Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders is eyeing a potential holdout as he enters the final year of his three-year contract. After delivering five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, his base salary of $15.5 million seems low. He’s aiming for a raise, especially with several wide receivers in the league earning over $30 million annually.
As these players navigate their futures amidst summer’s calm, fans should keep an ear to the ground. The next few weeks will be critical as we anticipate which player will strike a deal or possibly change teams before summer training camps heat up.
