As the NFL regular season approaches, this article will cover IDP-relevant news and topics from training camps and preseason games. We'll examine injuries, contract situations, camp battles, rookie buzz, and other pertinent IDP topics.
The plan is to have this article ready for your viewing every Thursday until the start of the season. Thanks for tuning in; let's get to it!
IDP News: EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati
Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is officially holding out of training camp.
There's been plenty of contract drama surrounding the Bengals and star pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, this offseason. Earlier this week, there was even positive news about the two sides being close to a deal. However, the agreement was not reached, and reportedly, the issue was centered around guaranteed money. Hendrickson is now officially holding out of training camp and training on his own in Florida.
Hendrickson is 30 years old, coming off a 2024 campaign where he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, so it's easy to see why he is holding out for a deal he feels he deserves. Hendrickson was one of the few bright spots for the Cincinnati defense last season, so his presence off the edge is paramount. In his absence, the Bengals' edge unit consists of Joseph Ossai, Myles Murphy, Cam Sample, and potentially rookie Shemar Stewart, who also deals with a holdout over issues with his rookie contract.
Ossai has sleeper appeal after signing a one-year prove-it deal to return to Cincinnati. Murphy is a trait-based first-round pick from the 2023 draft, entering a pivotal year three after a lackluster first two seasons. Stewart checks all the boxes from a size/athleticism standpoint, but his game needs refinement, and we don't know when he'll get to camp to get the important reps and coaching he needs. To say Hendrickson is important to the Cincinnati defense would be an immense understatement. As IDP gamers, let's hope this deal gets done soon so we can breathe a sigh of relief for our squads he's rostered on.
IDP News: EDGE Micah Parsons, Dallas
Micah Parsons reports to camp, but is he holding in?
Parsons is in the final year of his rookie deal and has made it clear he wants a new contract. However, it doesn't seem like the two sides are close to reaching an agreement. While Parsons did report to training camp, there appears to be some uncertainty about whether he's holding in or if his back issues are limiting his participation. This is a situation to watch, and we'll be checking back on it soon, as Parsons is a top-tier IDP asset.
IDP News: EDGE T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh
The Steelers and T.J. Watt get the deal done.
After contract negotiation rumblings and T.J. Watt not reporting to Pittsburgh's June mandatory minicamp, the two sides got the deal done. Last week, Watt signed a three-year, $123 million extension, with a whopping $108 million guaranteed. Watt is still an elite edge rusher for us IDP gamers, and it's comforting to know he's paid, happy, and ready to terrorize offenses off the edge. After the holdout doom and gloom above, here's some positive contract news.
IDP News: S Tyrann Mathieu, Retired
Safety Tyrann Mathieu calls it a career.
After 12 seasons, Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement before training camp kicked off. Hat tip to Mathieu on a solid career and one of the coolest nicknames of all time with the “Honey Badger”. Before his retirement, Mathieu was set to pair with newly signed Justin Reid on the backend for the Saints' defense. Since the retirement news broke, the Saints have signed veteran free agent safety Julian Blackmon. Right now, Blackmon is likely the betting favorite for the vacant spot. Jordan Howden and third-round rookie Jonas Sanker will also be in the mix at safety as camp progresses. If Sanker was neglected in your rookie drafts, he is a nice taxi squad stash where available.
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