Star players holding out for new contracts has become a common practice in the NFL, with players like Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings and CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys choosing to skip offseason workouts in hopes of securing lucrative pay raises. Jefferson, widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the league, is set to earn $19.74 million this season but is expected to surpass Tyreek Hill’s $30 million annual salary with a new contract. Lamb, on the other hand, is scheduled to be paid $17.199 million by Dallas and is also seeking a significant contract extension, though he may not become the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
Both Jefferson and Lamb are vital to their respective teams’ success, so negotiations are almost certain to result in new deals for both players. Despite rumors of the Vikings potentially trading Jefferson, their general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has expressed a firm commitment to keeping him on the team. Jefferson put up impressive numbers last season despite being limited by injuries, while Lamb also had a standout season in 2023, becoming a key player in the Cowboys’ offense. Their contributions make them valuable assets that their teams would likely want to retain for the long term.
The voluntary nature of offseason workouts may give the impression of flexibility, but players in contract years like Jefferson and Lamb often feel pressured to secure new deals to reflect their value to their teams. If they are not satisfied with the negotiations, they may choose to hold out as the season approaches, asserting their agency in determining their future in the league. While the NFL may not prioritize player empowerment to the same extent as the NBA, athletes are increasingly taking control of their contracts and ensuring they are fairly compensated for their contributions on the field.
The possibility of a trade involving Jefferson was quickly dismissed by the Vikings’ GM, who emphasized the importance of retaining top talent like Jefferson. If a trade were to happen, any team interested in acquiring him would need to be able to accommodate his substantial future salary. With both players looking to secure significant pay raises, negotiations are likely to continue as the season progresses, with the players holding out if necessary to achieve their desired contract terms. The evolving landscape of player-contract negotiations in the NFL reflects a growing trend of athletes advocating for their worth and seeking fair compensation for their contributions to their teams’ success.
