Five top players in contract limbo as NFL training camps start

The 2024 sack leader is holding out for a contract extension he deems worthy of his on-field production. According to insiders, Hendrickson is dissatisfied with the deal the Bengals are offering because he wants one that "reflects his value." 

With pass-rushers like the Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt getting over $100M guaranteed, Hendrickson knows he should be in that range as well.

WR Terry McLaurin

The Washington Commanders' top wide receiver wasn't present for the pre-camp conditioning test, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

McLaurin is seeking a new deal after recording 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and catching 13 touchdown passes in the 2024 regular season. "Scary Terry" was rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' favorite target and a catalyst for the team's run to the 2024 NFC Championship Game. 

Expectations for the Commanders' 2025 season are now sky high thanks to the pairing, and the front office knows that. General Manager Adam Peters praised McLaurin's skill and character, saying the team would do everything possible to finalize a deal. For McLaurin, that means needing more money than his previous three-year, $68.4M extension. And he seems willing to hold out from training camp to get it.

DE Shemar Stewart

Here's another Bengals holdout, except Stewart hasn't played a snap for the team. The rookie refuses to sign his deal due to language in his contract that'll void guaranteed money if he violates specific terms. The Bengals, so far, refuse to change the terms of the contract. 

Stewart was selected in the second round of the 2025 draft and was supposed to upgrade the team's defensive front or keep it from having no pass-rush threat if Hendrickson left the team. Now, without either player, the Bengals have more questions than answers on the defensive side of the ball.

RB James Cook

As the subjects of the new season of "Hard Knocks," the Buffalo Bills won't be without drama to document. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, running back James Cook will report to training camp despite not having a contract extension done. 

Last season, he scored a career high 23 touchdowns (playoffs and regular season combined) and rushed for 1,009 yards. While the Bills' offense is all about quarterback Josh Allen, having a run game to grind out contests and score in the red zone has helped make the team a contender. 

Cook, 25, knows he's an asset the Bills value, but he's not the star of the team the way Saquon Barkley is for the Philadelphia Eagles. So he'll have to show his worth on the field this summer.

DE Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to make bizarre team-management decisions. He suggested that he was holding out on extending Parsons due to the potential for the Penn State alum to get injured after signing.

Instead, Parsons will play on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal and could upend the defensive end market in free agency next year. The Cowboys only have Jones to blame for having to either pay Parsons a huge sum of money this summer or next.