Mandatory minicamp has arrived this week for 24 teams, which essentially marks the end of offseason work before training camp. With voluntary practices over, unhappy veterans can stage their first holdouts.
A minicamp holdout isn't that huge of a deal, although teams can fine players close to $70,000 for missing the three practice days. But June disruptions usually are a preview for costlier training camp standoffs to come. Here is a recap of which players showed up for work, and who skipped out.
Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks: The biggest surprise on Tuesday was that Lynch returned to Seahawks practice. He's about that action. (And that money, avoiding any potential fines.) This story doesn't feel quite over yet; we'll see if the Seahawks make a small adjustment on his contract.
Vernon Davis and Alex Boone, San Francisco 49ers: After much back-and-forth on the topic, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that Davis did not show up for camp Tuesday. Davis believes himself to be underpaid, but his agent probably should have thought of that before signing a six-year contract in the prime of his career.
Boone also has two years left on his deal. The Niners guard has a better case for getting a new contract with "only" $4 million due over the next two seasons. That's a contract more reflective of a backup.
Coach Jim Harbaugh delivered a surprisingly strong rebuke for both players Tuesday:
"I'm disappointed in that decision for them not to be here," Harbaugh said. "There's a voluntary segment to the offseason and we appreciate those guys volunteering to make the team better. Now it's mandatory and not the decision I envisioned being the 49er way.
Eric Wright, San Francisco 49ers: We list Wright separately because he's a different case than Davis and Boone. They are looking for money. He's decided to retire and will be filing paperwork shortly, Rapoport reported Tuesday. Speaking of which ...
Kyle Orton, Dallas Cowboys: He is seriously considering retirement, which could be costly.
Andre Johnson, Houston Texans: He didn't show up for minicamp, as expected. Johnson's holdout is different than the rest because it has such vague reasons. By most accounts, he's not happy to be in the middle of another rebuilding project. The news that Ryan Fitzpatrickwill be the team's starting quarterback probably won't make him feel better.
Mike Goodson, New York Jets: This was another small surprise. Jets coach Rex Ryan noted that even Darrelle Revis never blew off a mandatory minicamp. Even Goodson's agent didn't defend him.
"He has to be responsible and accountable for his own actions and decisions," agent Kennard McGuire told Rapoport.
Goodson has struggled with injuries and legal issues. He seems certain to be eventually released.
UPDATE: The New York Jetsannounced on Wednesday that they released Goodson.
Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints: He isn't technically a holdout because he's unsigned. An arbitrator will decide whether Graham should be classified as a tight end or a wide receiver.
Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs: He is looking for a new contract, and did not show up for minicamp.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the heroes discuss which teams "realistically" have no shot at winning the Super Bowl this season.
