Who is sitting out mandatory minicamp? Trey Hendrickson, list of NFL players
Most NFL players have been on vacation since their seasons ended in early January, but it's almost time to get back to work.
Unsurprisingly, that is hard to come to terms with, especially when a contract dispute is hanging over your head. Trey Hendrickson knows the feeling all too well. He's been angling for a new contract for over a year. Still, the Cincinnati Bengals haven't rewarded the star edge rusher with a new deal.
When it comes to getting new contracts, players are fairly powerless. They can make a lot of noise and sit out, but the ball is still in the team's court. Fines and other penalties can be levied against players by teams. However, their success can be hit or miss.
Every year, it seems there are a select few who make headlines when minicamps become mandatory. As the last step in the offseason before training camp, these three days are a chance to make a statement.
Here are the players who have decided to sit out minicamps in 2025, along with the penalties they will face for doing so.
NFL players sitting out mandatory minicamp
Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
Hendrickson's feud with the Bengals is well-documented by now, with the All-Pro still seeking a new contract. He is set to be a free agent after the 2025 season and carries a $18.6 million cap hit into the upcoming campaign, according to Spotrac. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that there has been no progress on a new deal for Hendrickson, leading to his absence.
The 30-year-old has posted 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons, taking care of business quietly in Cincinnati. The gloves came off this offseason as Hendrickson has gone public with his frustration. It remains to be seen whether he'll be awarded a new contract, but Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins got theirs. Now the defensive star wants his as both sides dig their heels in.
T.J. Watt, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers just got over the Aaron Rodgers saga and now find themselves staring down another contract issue after Watt skipped organized team activities (OTAs). Both sides have been working towards a new long-term deal, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Tuesday that there has been no progress on that front.
Watt is entering the final season of a four-year, $112 million extension and has remained one of the best defensive players in the league since debuting in 2017. The 30-year-old is a four-time All-Pro and was the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year. With double-digit sack totals in six of his eight seasons, Watt is a game-wrecker. He'll almost certainly be paid like one in his next contract, whenever that comes.
Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders
McLaurin has been a model NFL citizen during his career despite playing in mostly less-than-ideal circumstances for most of it. During six seasons in Washington, the Commanders have trotted out 11 different quarterbacks. Playoff appearances have been few and far between, leaving McLaurin as one of the game's better but more underrated receivers.
He is entering the final year of a three-year, $68.4 million deal and the 29-year-old is looking to cash in. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that McLaurin is frustrated with the lack of progress on a long-term deal and is now the official reason for his absence. As the Commanders eye a Super Bowl run in 2025, getting the contract done is something they'll want to check off the list.
Jalen Ramsey, CB, Miami Dolphins
Ramsey will not attend Dolphins' minicamp, according to head coach Mike McDaniel, which was to be expected. Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, both sides agreed to seek a trade that would send the star cornerback out of Miami, but that hasn't materialized yet. Ramsey still has four years left on his contract, which includes the three-year, $72.3 million extension he signed before the 2024 season.
It makes sense for both sides to keep Ramsey away from the field, ensuring he remains healthy before moving on. Miami hasn't indicated if they would release the cornerback should a trade fail to happen. At the very least, it does seem clear that both sides are headed for a split before the 2025 regular season kicks off in September.
Jonnu Smith, TE, Miami Dolphins
Smith has joined Ramsey in sitting out minicamp in Miami. The tight end has been looking for a new contract and is another Dolphins player hearing his name in trade rumors. Miami previously held talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a trade that would send Smith to the Steel City. It remains to be seen if the two sides can reengage and finalize a deal. For now, Smith will remain away in the hopes that the contract situation can be resolved, one way or another.
What is the penalty for sitting out NFL mandatory minicamp?
Players are subjected to fines if they don't report to mandatory minicamp without receiving an excused absence. Those fines increase each year, according to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.
Here are the fines for the 2025 season:
- Day 1: $17,462
- Day 2: $34,925
- Day 3: $52,381
- Total: $104,768