NFL Stars Still Holding Out as Training Camps Come to an End

As training camps heat up across the NFL, the spotlight isn’t just on the on-field action—contract disputes and holdouts are dominating the headlines. Several marquee players are making waves with their contract situations, either by holding out entirely or participating minimally in camp. Here’s an in-depth look at the situations involving Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams, as well as a brief summary of other notable players in limbo.

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Status: Reported to camp, not practicing, absent from recent practice

Ja’Marr Chase’s standoff with the Bengals is reaching a critical point. Although the star wide receiver has been present at camp, he hasn’t participated in practice as he awaits a lucrative contract extension. The tension escalated recently when Chase was absent from the Bengals’ final home practice before their second preseason game. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has remained tight-lipped, emphasizing that the situation is “fluid” and will be handled “one day at a time.”

Chase’s decision to hold out isn’t surprising. Earlier this year, he mentioned that he was waiting for his former LSU teammate, Justin Jefferson, to set the market with his own extension before pushing for his deal. Jefferson’s historic four-year, $140 million extension with $110 million guaranteed—the largest ever for a non-quarterback—certainly sets the bar high for Chase. While Bengals president Mike Brown has indicated that a deal before the season starts is unlikely, the question remains: Will Chase risk missing games to secure the contract he believes he deserves?

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Status: Holding out of camp

CeeDee Lamb’s holdout has become a significant storyline in Dallas. The Cowboys have placed Lamb on the did-not-report list, technically voiding the guarantee on his fifth-year option, but negotiations for a long-term extension continue. Lamb’s absence from camp, now stretching into its second week, underscores the importance of his next contract, which is expected to make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid receivers.

The Cowboys are hopeful that Lamb’s situation will be resolved soon, especially considering his importance to the team’s offensive success. However, until a deal is reached, Lamb is continuing his workouts independently, away from the team’s camp in Oxnard, California.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Status: Reported to camp, not practicing, considering a trade

Brandon Aiyuk’s situation with the 49ers is one of the most complicated and closely watched in the NFL. The young wideout reported to camp but has refrained from practicing, sparking speculation about his future with the team. Aiyuk’s contract negotiations have been described as a “long, arduous, and hard” process by general manager John Lynch. The 49ers are reportedly still hopeful that they can work out a long-term extension, but Aiyuk’s openness to a trade—possibly to the Pittsburgh Steelers—adds another layer of complexity.

Aiyuk has been present at practices, watching from the sidelines and working on conditioning, but both sides are feeling the pressure as the season approaches. With time running out for Aiyuk to get game-ready, the stakes are high for both the player and the team.

Trent Williams, OT, San Francisco 49ers

Status: Holding out of camp

Unlike Aiyuk, Trent Williams’ holdout has been more low-key, with minimal drama. The 36-year-old left tackle and the 49ers are working through the logistics of extending his deal, particularly how to structure future guaranteed money given Williams’ age and potential retirement plans. The Niners remain optimistic that Williams, who is arguably the best left tackle in the NFL, will be ready and dominant when the regular season starts.

Summary of Other Notable Holdouts and Contract Situations

  • Matthew Judon, LB, Atlanta Falcons: Traded from the Patriots after a prolonged contract dispute, Judon’s departure is a significant blow to New England’s defense.
  • Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints: Fully participating in camp despite unresolved contract negotiations. Kamara is focused on securing long-term stability.
  • Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers: Signed a four-year, $220 million extension, securing his future with the Packers just in time for the start of full-pads practices.
  • Haason Reddick, Edge, New York Jets: Holding out and requesting a trade, Reddick’s standoff with the Jets is one of the more unusual and contentious situations in recent memory.
  • Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Recently signed a record-setting extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league.

As the NFL season draws near, these contract situations will continue to evolve, with significant implications for the players and their teams. For now, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how these stories unfold.