The NFL offseason has provided several storylines, keeping fans across the league engaged while no games are being played.
Some of the most prominent storylines thus far have involved players moving teams, and players being unhappy with their current situation.
In a recent report by Tom Pelissero, he indicates that Josh Jacobs and Evan Engram join Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley in not participating in voluntary offseason programming.
#raiders RB Josh Jacobs #Jaguars TE Evan Engram haven’t signed their franchise tenders and won’t report for voluntary offseason programs today, per sources.
They join Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley as franchise players expected to be absent as players return to work today.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2023
All four of these players were franchise-tagged, and not signed to contract extensions.
By excusing themselves from offseason programming, each of these players is making a statement to their respective teams.
This statement lets their teams know that, until a long-term deal is signed, they will not practice or play moving forward.
How will this situation be resolved?
On one hand, this gives power to the players, as they wait for a renewed contract.
On the other, organizations are potentially able to wait out these players.
If they don’t play or participate in team activities, they don’t get paid for the upcoming season.
A catch-22, of sorts.
Jackson has led the charge throughout this offseason and has requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens.
While his future hangs in the balance, Jackson will not attend any team-related activities.
Jacobs is coming off a career year, and many have anticipated that the Las Vegas Raiders are going to sign him to an extension.
Being that this hasn’t yet happened, however, he too will sit out.
All four of these athletes are marquee players within the NFL.
How long will their teams let these holdouts go on?
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