Two NFL players are subject to fines of $101,716 for mandatory minicamp absenteeism.
Why would a player risk being liable for that much money? That is a pretty steep fine, in fact, it is about as much as the average NFL fan’s annual household income.
So why would two Wide Receivers: San Francisco 49ers wide Brandon Aiyuk and Dallas Cowboys CeeDee Lamb intentionally miss their minicamps?
Brandon Aiyuk Absent From Minicamp
Not only did Aiyuk miss the mandatory minicamp, he was also absent from the earlier off-season training. The reason, for Aiyuk’s absence most likely is contract negotiations.
Aiyuk signed with the 49ers in 2020 and is currently under contract due to his fifth-year option. But, the pay bar is higher now that Minnesota Viking WR Justin Jefferson raised it by negotiating a four-year 140 million extension.
This is how it’s done. This is about contract negotiations. Aiyuk is due 14.1 million in 2024 a drop in the bucket compared to Jefferson’s 140 million deal. Nick Wagoner reported on ESPN “A deal doesn’t appear to be imminent, but the 49ers remain confident something will get done to keep Aiyuk for the long haul”.
Pro Hall of Famer, Steve Young told Nevadasportsnet.com
“They’re going to have to pay him because he’s that good,” Young said during Monday’s American Century Championship media day. “Brandon is better than he thinks, and he’s better than the 49ers think. He’s that good. I’m overstating it, but he’s only going to get better. He’s uncoverable, and he shares the limelight with a lot of other players and still dominates. Brandon is top three right now. In that way, the 49ers have this wonderful problem with all these great players. They’re going to have to pay him if they’re going to keep him.”
CeeDee Lamb Dallas Cowboys Minicamp Fines
Lamb is in a similar situation as Aiyuk. However Jerry Jones owner of the 9 billion dollar Dallas Cowboys has a strong hand when it comes to negotiations. Jones is quoted as saying earlier in 2024 “we would like to see more leaves fall”.
This sounds pretty tough at the surface but perhaps these words are more reflective of the wisdom of a successful NFL Franchise Owner. Jones wants to see more not only from his team but from the other teams as well before tossing out contract numbers.
“Time will tell what the timeline is on each of The Big 3, but there’s no questioning the Cowboys’ want of keeping Prescott, Lamb and Parsons in tow for years to come.”
Will The Minicamp Fines Be Imposed
Missing a mandatory minicamp is a finable according to the NFL. But that doesn’t mean the fine will be imposed. Look at similar situations with players like Nick Bosa, 49ers DE. He was absent from a mandatory minicamp. Nick was facing fines of 50K per day. The fines were eventually rescinded.
It may be that missing mandatory training is a necessary as part of negotiations. So in the words of Jerry Jones “patient mode”. And that is just what we will have to be because only in time will we see if these players get the deals they are seeking.
About the Author
Lori was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She was in Jacksonville when the Jaguars became the 30th NFL Franchise. Her son began playing football in middle school and continued playing through his senior year of high school. Lori’s daughter was born during a Super Bowl game. She and her family are avid sports enthusiasts.
Lori is a freelance writer with Total Apex Sports and is dedicated to creating interesting, accurate, and concise articles. Lori reports that writing for Total Apex Sports is an honor, and each day is full of exciting experiences.
Lori has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis on Project Management and has written technical documents for more than a decade.
You may contact Lori by email at lori@loriratto.com. Visit www.loriratto.com and follow me on X lorirattolori
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