NFL mandatory minicamps 2024: Who’s there, who’s not as Aaron Rodgers has unexcused absence, subject to fines

Mandatory minicamps are underway across the NFL, with teams transitioning from voluntary to mandatory off-season work ahead of the 2024 campaign. But just because practices are mandatory doesn’t mean every player shows up. After all, this is the time of year when high-level contract negotiations can really heat up. So here’s a roundup of notable names to participate in or skip this week’s activities:

Missing notable names

The star quarterback was in full swing at the start of the New York Jets’ offseason program, but was not present at the start of mandatory minicamp. Although the absence was expected internally, by coach Robert Salehit is not an excused absence, meaning Rodgers will be subject to fines while participating in what Saleh called an in-person event.

CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys skipped the team’s OTAs and is not present for Day 1 of Dallas’ mandatory minicamp, coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Tuesday, as the superstar reportedly seeks a new deal. The three-time Pro Bowler, who led the NFL in catches in 2023, is entering the final year of his rookie contract, due close to $18 million in 2024 under a fifth-year option. He is subject to being fined $16,953 for missing the first day of minicamp, $33,908 on Wednesday and $50,855 if minicamp extends into Thursday. as the Dallas Morning News reports.

New York Jets defensive end Haason Reddick has not participated in any voluntary workouts and now has not reported for mandatory minicamp, which began Tuesday for Gang Green. Coach Robert Saleh, who told reporters last week that he has had no communication with the former Philadelphia Eagles star, amended his comments on Tuesday to confirm that he has been in contact with the veteran, who is entering a contract year. .

Brandon Aiyuk is entering the fifth-year option season on his rookie contract and is looking for an extension. He did not report to the 49ers’ minicamp while he sought his new contract. With Justin Jefferson receiving a monster contract, Aiyuk and Lamb are likely the next two guys to receive big paydays.

Tee Higgins hasn’t signed his franchise yet, so it’s no surprise that he did not inform to Bengals minicamp. As you do not have a contract, you are also not subject to a fine for not being present. He’s still waiting on a long-term deal, but it appears he’ll have to play this season at $21.8 million and look for a future off-season.

Notable names present

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was present at the start of minicamp, despite occasional absences from voluntary practices. The 2023 Pro Bowler, who led the NFL in passing yards, is entering the final year of his rookie contract, set to expire at more than $23 million in 2024 under a fifth-year option.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey attended the start of minicamp despite missing voluntary workouts earlier this offseason. The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year is the NFL’s highest-paid running back signed through 2025, but he could be looking for a raise.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill joined Tagovailoa as a minicamp participant, one day after his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, hinted that the eight-time Pro Bowler is looking for a raise. Hill just signed a four-year, $120 million contract with Miami in 2022, but the receiver market has changed drastically since then.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons attended the start of training camp amid speculation that he might hold out in an effort to land a long-term contract. The three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is signed through 2025, due just $5.4 million in 2024, but is also eligible for a new deal.

The Tampa star, who did not report to OTAs, is in town for mandatory minicamp, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Wirfs is entering the fifth-year option season on his rookie contract and is in extension negotiations with the team. After switching from right tackle to left tackle last season, Wirfs has made the Pro Bowl again and is likely on track to become one of the highest-paid tackles in the NFL.

While Higgins is away, Ja’Marr Chase is gift for Bengals minicamp. He became extension eligible this off-season and is likely looking at a big payday that could get even bigger when we see where the contract numbers come in for players like Brandon Aiyuk and CeeDee Lamb.