With just 99 days remaining until the NFL season officially kicks off, teams across the league are deep into their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in preparation for what promises to be another thrilling campaign. Each year, football pundits, beat reporters, and fans alike closely monitor these voluntary workouts—not just for what happens on the field, but for who shows up and, perhaps more tellingly, who doesn’t.
OTA attendance has become a reliable barometer of player satisfaction, contract negotiations, and potential roster upheaval. While coaches often downplay absences as routine veteran rest or personal matters, savvy observers know that when marquee players skip these sessions, it usually signals deeper issues brewing beneath the surface. Whether it’s contract disputes, trade demands, or leverage plays in extension talks, OTA no-shows often provide the first glimpse into storylines that will dominate headlines throughout the summer.
This year’s OTA absentee list reads like a who’s who of NFL talent, with several All-Pro caliber players conspicuously missing from their team facilities. Their absences highlight ongoing contract disputes, looming free agency decisions, and the possibility of blockbuster trades that could reshape the league landscape before September arrives.
Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons)
Kirk Cousins, the $180 million quarterback for the Falcons, tops the list of high-profile absentees. After being replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr. late last season, Cousins finds himself in an awkward position in Atlanta. The veteran signal-caller is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause and seeking a fresh start elsewhere, with the Pittsburgh Steelers rumored as a potential landing spot if their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers falls through.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has been refreshingly candid about the situation, publicly acknowledging that Cousins’ absence is business-driven. The team has indicated they’re open to facilitating a trade if a mutually beneficial opportunity presents itself, making Cousins one of the summer’s most intriguing trade candidates.
James Cook (Buffalo Bills)
Buffalo’s dynamic running back James Cook is leveraging his absence from OTAs in pursuit of a lucrative contract extension. Coming off consecutive seasons with over 1,200 scrimmage yards, Cook has established himself as a key component of the Bills’ offensive attack. Now entering the final year of his rookie deal, he’s reportedly seeking a contract worth approximately $15 million per year—a figure that would place him among the NFL’s highest-paid running backs.
The stark contrast between his current earnings trajectory (about $5 million in 2025 if no extension is reached) and his desired compensation explains his strategic absence from voluntary workouts.
Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons)
The Falcons face another contract situation with tight end Kyle Pitts, who joins Cousins in skipping OTAs. While not as publicly vocal about his contract demands as some other players, Pitts is in the final year of his rookie contract after Atlanta exercised his fifth-year option. The former top-five draft pick has spoken about the importance of his next deal, and his absence serves as a subtle but clear signal that contract negotiations will be a significant factor as he approaches free agency following the 2025 season.
Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals)
Defensive end Trey Hendrickson represents another high-profile absence amid his own contract standoff with Cincinnati. The pass-rushing specialist has been instrumental in the Bengals’ defensive success and is reportedly seeking a new deal that reflects his value to the organization. Given Cincinnati’s well-documented reputation for tough contract negotiations, Hendrickson’s absence underscores the mounting tension as both sides await a resolution.
T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Perhaps no absence carries more significance than Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt, who is skipping OTAs while entering the final year of his four-year, $112 million contract. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s contract extension talks have reportedly stalled, and his recent social media activity has only fueled speculation about his future in Pittsburgh. However, team president Art Rooney II has publicly stated the franchise’s preference to re-sign Watt rather than explore trade options, suggesting negotiations remain ongoing.
Other Notable Absences
- DK Metcalf (Pittsburgh Steelers): The newly acquired wide receiver is also missing from OTAs, though his absence appears unrelated to contract issues and more likely stems from adjusting to his new team environment.
- Haason Reddick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): After signing a one-year, $14 million deal in March, Reddick is skipping OTAs following his previous contract holdout with the Jets. Notably, the Buccaneers did not include OTA participation incentives in his contract structure.
Summary Table: Absent NFL Stars at OTAs
| Player | Team | Reason for Absence | Contract Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirk Cousins | Atlanta Falcons | Trade speculation | 4-yr, $180M deal; open to trade |
| James Cook | Buffalo Bills | Contract dispute | Final year of rookie deal; seeking extension |
| Kyle Pitts | Atlanta Falcons | Contract negotiation (implied) | Final year of rookie deal; 5th-year option |
| Trey Hendrickson | Cincinnati Bengals | Contract dispute | Seeking new deal |
| T.J. Watt | Pittsburgh Steelers | Contract dispute | Final year of 4-yr, $112M deal; extension talks |
| DK Metcalf | Pittsburgh Steelers | Personal/rest (not contract-related) | Newly acquired; no contract issue reported |
| Haason Reddick | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Veteran rest/contract history | 1-yr, $14M deal; no OTA incentives |
Outlook
While OTAs remain voluntary, the absence of these elite players signals significant unresolved business between organizations and their star talent. For players like Cousins and Hendrickson, the coming weeks could bring trade scenarios that dramatically alter their futures before the season begins. For others, including Cook, Pitts, and Watt, the next phase of negotiations will prove crucial as teams balance competitive aspirations with salary cap realities.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, these OTA absences serve as the opening act to what promises to be a summer filled with contract drama, potential trades, and roster moves that could define the 2025 NFL season. With 99 days and counting, the clock is ticking for resolutions that will shape the league’s landscape.