NFL Stars Sidelined: Contract Disputes Dominate Training Camp Kickoff

NFL training camp is here, and with it, the buzz of football season. But for several high-profile players, the field remains a distant dream as contract disputes keep them sidelined. It’s a familiar gamble—skip camp to avoid injury before securing that big payday. Some, like Darrelle Revis, hit the jackpot with this strategy; others, like Le’Veon Bell, fumbled the play. Let’s dive into the notable names watching from the sidelines.

Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys): Officially, it’s 'back tightness' keeping Parsons out of practice. Unofficially? He’s been crystal clear about wanting a new deal. With 52.5 sacks in just four seasons—sixth-most all-time for that span—and consistent top-three finishes in Defensive Player of the Year voting, the man’s earned his stripes. Yet, instead of ink on a contract, we’ve got a war of words between Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. That’s not how you build a championship defense, folks.

Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders): Fresh off a career-best season with 13 touchdowns and another 1,000-yard campaign, McLaurin is holding out with one year left on his $68 million deal. Turning 30 soon, he’s pushing for security—but at a tricky time for the Commanders, who are banking on rookie QB Jayden Daniels to avoid a sophomore slump. A star wideout sitting out isn’t exactly a vote of confidence.

Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals): After leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season and earning First-Team All-Pro honors, Hendrickson is at a deadlock with the Bengals. In the final year of his contract, he’s skipped all offseason activities and publicly called out the team for their silence on a new deal. At 30, this edge rusher—who’s been a steal since joining Cincinnati in 2021—says he won’t play without a fresh contract. That’s a big hole in the Bengals’ line.

Amarius Mims (Cincinnati Bengals): Another Bengal, another contract standoff. This time, it’s their first-round rookie from the 2025 draft. The team’s push to tweak rookie contract structures—potentially voiding future guarantees—has sparked a bitter feud. Mims didn’t show for mandatory minicamp, and this isn’t the warm welcome you’d hope for in the NFL. Rough start for the young edge rusher.

Alex Anzalone (Detroit Lions): Citing an injury, Anzalone is also vocal about his contract woes. Entering the last year of an $18.3 million deal, he’s made it clear he wants to retire a Lion—but feels 'disappointed' by the lack of progress. After four solid seasons in Detroit, his frustration is palpable. Loyalty shouldn’t be this hard to lock down.

As training camp rolls on, these contract battles remind us that football isn’t just played on the field—it’s a chess game of leverage and risk. Will these stars get their deals, or will they miss the opening kickoff? Stay tuned.