The NFL offseason turns to mandatory minicamp this week, and multiple notable players could miss practices based on their lack of participation during recent organized team activities.
Despite the voluntary nature of organized team activities (OTAs), big-name players missing those practices often stems from something major, such as contract issues, injury, or personal reasons. Here’s a look at some of the biggest names who didn’t spend time on the field during OTAs for their respective teams.
Alex Anzalone
The Detroit Lions cornerback not only didn’t participate in recent OTAs, but he also posted a workout video on Instagram last week with a message that fans may perceive as contract-related. Anzalone, 30, has a year left on his contract, and his video indicates that he’s mostly recovered from last season’s forearm fracture.“In life, you have options,” Anzalone wrote on Instagram. “Which will you choose?”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell notably didn’t express concern about Anzalone’s absence. Campbell also said they’ve been in contact.
“We only have two guys who aren’t here right now,” Campbell told reporters on May 30. “I know who they are, I know where they are. I talked to them and we’re all good.”
Campbell referenced former offensive lineman Frank Ragnow in addition to Anzalone. Ragnow eventually announced his retirement on June 2.
James Cook
The Buffalo Bills running back missed OTAs amid his desire for a new contract. Cook has a year left on his rookie contract of four years, $5.83 million, and Spotrac projects him for $10.2 million annually.
Buffalo has already extended three veterans from the same draft class as Cook, 2022. Cook could be next after a career year of 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Jalen Ramsey
The Miami Dolphins cornerback wants out via a trade, and the Dolphins have been looking for a trade partner. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier confirmed that back in April.Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback lost his starting job last season despite a four-year, $180 million deal. Second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looks poised to be the starter again in 2025 instead of Cousins.That has the rumor mill going on whether or not the Falcons will trade Cousins or release him. Atlanta has to pay Cousins $27.5 million in 2025, and either move would leave the Falcons with dead cap money—whether $12.5 million of dead money in a trade or up to $75 million of dead money in a release per Spotrac.
Micah Parsons
The Dallas Cowboys linebacker didn’t participate in OTAs amid contract questions. Parsons wants a contract extension instead of playing on the Cowboys’ $24 million rookie extension as Spotrac projects him for $36.3 million annually.Dallas received some good news on Monday when Parsons arrived for minicamp, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. However, that doesn’t guarantee Parsons will practice, since being at minicamp can suffice for avoiding a fine.
That said, Parsons and Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer went quite public on where things stand during a phone call posted on TikTok on Sunday. Parsons expressed his commitment to be at minicamp, and Schottenheimer offered his thoughts on the contract situation.
“I know this is weird for everybody, but look, you’re handling everything the right way, bro,” Schottenheimer told Parsons in the video. “This thing is going to get worked out.”
Terry McLaurin
The Washington Commanders wide receiver wants a new contract extension, and a potential trade could be looming. McLaurin had a career year in 2024 with 82 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns.It’s not the first time McLaurin has missed OTAs and minicamp over contract uncertainty. He did that in 2022 before his current contract extension.
