Which NFL players are still holding out? Brandon Aiyuk, Ja’Maar Chase, Haason Reddick, Trent Williams

They are just a much a part of preseason as joint practices, rookie hazing or karaoke concerts in the team meeting room. Holdouts are a part of life in the NFL, and a source of great stress for team owners and fans, but sometimes they are a short cut to big bucks for the league’s biggest stars.

Ceedee signs new deal

Just take a look at Ceedee Lamb and his new contract. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys were in a standoff with their star receiver, but as of this week the hold out has come to a peaceful end before the situation got too ugly. Lamb was on the winning side as Jones coughed up $136,000,000 over the next four years.

That’s what the rest of these players on the list will be hoping for. Not all will get that massive of a contract, but there are still some big names with some heavy star power holding out with a little over a week to go before the season kicks off.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers

It’s been one of the stories of the offseason and Brandon Aiyuk hasn’t exactly been quiet about the matter. You could see this was going to get ugly for the last few months if the Niners didn’t show the team’s leading receiver the money before the season started. Aiyuk went on social media on a live video with Washington rookie QB Jayden Daniels telling him and the world the the Niners “don’t want me.” Head coach Kyle Shanahan obviously wants such an important piece back in practice and on the field in Week 1. Aiyuk reported to camp, but hasn’t been practicing and he is apparently open to seeking a trade.

Ja’maar Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengal’s top WR is still on his rookie contract which will fetch him $4.86 million dollars this season. Chase has not only been one of the best WRs in the game, but he has sat back and watched receivers around the league sign big money contract extensions. Most notably, his former LSU teammate, Justin Jefferson who became the highest paid WR, and highest paid non-quarterback when he signed a $140 million contract earlier this year. Chase has two seasons remaining on his existing contract if you include the fifth year option, but he’s got his sights set on eclipsing Jefferson’s contract, by one cent. Certainly there is some friendly competition between the two college teammates, but it’s not going to be as friendly in the negotiation room. Chase might be easing up on his stance considering he returned to practice on Sunday

Haason Reddick, DE, New York Jets

While not as publicized, the situation in New York is close to hitting a boiling point. Haason Reddick left the Eagles last year after growing frustrated by Philadelphia’s absence of a new contract. He was traded to the Jets last year, and now he’s in the same position, but now it’s costing him big money. Apparently both Reddick and the Jets agreed to a trade shortly after the season, but now it appears that New York has changed their mind. Reddick didn’t show up to any of the offseason programs or training camp and has been fined $50,000 a day for the last 37 days. That’s almost $2 million dollars that the two-time Pro Bowler has coughed up as he awaits a new deal or a trade.

Trent Williams, OL, San Francisco 49ers

At 36 years old, Trent Williams is still one of the best tackles in the game, and he expects to be paid like one of the best in the game. He is currently the fourth highest paid tackle in the game, but that doesn’t seem to be cutting it for Brock Purdy’s body guard. The big man knows that his contract doesn’t just affect him, but it could put Purdy in danger. That’s why he is playing it cool, and in no real rush to get back to the field. Then you add Brandon Aiyuk’s hold out on top of this hold out, and Purdy could be looking at starting the season without his top target, and his best pass protector.