The 2022 NFL season is fast approaching and the league calendar jumps from one event to another.
A few months ago, teams were still assessing talent at the Scouting Combine.
Then, they were able to make some offseason signings.
The 2022 draft and voluntary OTAs are also done.
Now, the preparations for the upcoming NFL season ramp up as teams head to mandatory minicamp.
It’s not yet the full training camp, but teams use this time to familiarize their players with the system.
Therefore, coaches would like to have rookies and new signings in attendance.
Full contact drills are not yet allowed because attendees are there mostly to build their knowledge about the plays.
Typically, teams would go through the plays at a more relaxed pace while wearing jerseys and shorts.
Likewise, new head coaches hope that the entire team, especially veterans, will participate during the minicamp to efficiently teach their scheme.
While the camp is through after some days, it could be the start of tense situations between a player and their team.
Mandatory minicamp opens for 12 teams today: #Giants, #Patriots, #Steelers, #Lions, #Bucs, #Packers, #Colts, #Vikings, #Raiders, #Rams, #49ers, and #Seahawks.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 7, 2022
Pro Football Focus writer Ari Meirov tweeted, “Mandatory minicamp opens for 12 teams today: #Giants, #Patriots, #Steelers, #Lions, #Bucs, #Packers, #Colts, #Vikings, #Raiders, #Rams, #49ers, and #Seahawks.”
Veterans and marquee players might not show up if they are asking for a raise.
Not Showing Up To Hopefully Get More Money
Players that are not happy with their existing contract often use the minicamp to send a message.
Their non-participation signifies that they don’t want anything to do with the team unless they are guaranteed to earn more.
Therefore, those who feel that they deserve more dollars would sit out of minicamp because the team would have a hard time replacing them.
Those back-and-forth exchanges between the players and the front office could provide a ton of entertainment.
NEXT: NFL Insider Reveals How Aaron Donald Was Swayed To Return