Last year, we saw first-round pick Joey Bosa hold out of training camp and refuse to sign his rookie contract. ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano believes we could several 2017 picks following this same path. There are still four first-round picks who haven’t signed their contracts, including 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas, Titans wideout Corey Davis, Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley, and Browns safety Jabrill Peppers.
Graziano attributes the hold outs to “contract language.” Specifically, the writer notes that several front offices pursue some type of offset language, which would prevent players from double dipping in the event that they’re cut. On the flip side, agents are seeking annual salaries that mostly consist of a roster bonus, protecting their clients in the event of a suspension or fine.
Over the past two days, we’ve sign two first-round picks finally sign their rookie contracts, with both Jets safety Jamal Adams and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes inking their deals on Thursday.
Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the NFL…
- Following a mysterious absence from camp on Friday, Cowboys defensive end David Irving has returned to the team, reports NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). The player is subject to a $40K fine for the no-show, and Irving is already set to miss the first four games of the upcoming season due to suspension. The 23-year-old appeared in 15 games last season, compiling 17 tackles and four sacks.
- A Nashville Uber driver has filed a lawsuit against free agent offensive lineman Michael Oher, according to Mike Reader of the Charlotte Observer. The lawsuit said that Oher “acted maliciously, intentionally, willfully, wantonly, recklessly and/or negligently,” with the driver claiming that the lineman pushed him, kicked him, and called him a homophobic slur. The former first-rounder was released by the Panthers earlier this week with a failed physical designation.
- In case you missed it, veteran wideout Anquan Boldin is set to work out for the Bills next week.