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5 NFL Players Who Could Hold Out in 2024 – And Why It Matters

July 11, 20242

As NFL Players training camps approach, contract disputes are heating up. Every year, star players threaten holdouts if their teams don’t meet their contract demands. These standoffs can reshape team dynamics, fantasy football values, and even playoff races.

In this exclusive deep dive, we’ll break down:
✔ Top 5 NFL stars most likely to hold out in 2024
✔ Why their contracts are sticking points
✔ How their absence could impact their teams
✔ Historical holdout outcomes (successes & failures)
✔ Latest updates on negotiations

Let’s examine the biggest NFL holdout candidates of 2024.

What Is an NFL Holdout?

A holdout occurs when a player refuses to report to training camp or participate in team activities until their contract demands are met. This usually happens when:

A player outperforms their current deal
The team delays an extension
A franchise tag is involved

Some holdouts end quickly (see: Chris Jones in 2023), while others drag into the season (see: Le’Veon Bell in 2018).

Top 5 NFL Players Who Could Hold Out in 2024

1. Justin Jefferson – WR, Minnesota Vikings

Why He Might Hold Out:

Arguably the best WR in the NFL, yet not the highest-paid NFL Players
Currently earning $19.7 M / ye a r * * (T yree k H i ll mak es * *$ 30M/year)
Vikings need to lock him down before Ja’Marr Chase resets the market

Impact if He Holds Out:

Minnesota’s offense would collapse without him
Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy would lose his top weapon

Latest Update:

Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah says talks are “ongoing” (NFL Newsz)

2. Ja’Marr Chase – WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Why He Might Hold Out:

Due for a massive extension after Justin Jefferson signs
Could demand $32M+/year
Bengals also have to pay Joe Burrow & Tee Higgins

Impact if He Holds Out:

Burrow’s passing attack would suffer
Higgins would see more targets (boosting his fantasy value)

Latest Update:

Chase has skipped voluntary workouts, a possible warning sign

3. Micah Parsons – LB/DE, Dallas Cowboys

Why He Might Hold Out:

Arguably the best pass rusher in football
Still on his rookie deal ($4.2M in 2024)
Wants to surpass Nick Bosa’s $34M/year deal

Impact if He Holds Out:

Dallas’ defense would lose its most disruptive player
Could force Jerry Jones to pay up quickly

Latest Update:

Parsons has been vocal about wanting a new deal

4. Tristan Wirfs – OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Why He Might Hold Out:

One of the NFL’s best offensive tackles
Playing on a 5th-year option ($18.2M), wants long-term security
Bucs have cap space but are hesitant to commit

Impact if He Holds Out:

Baker Mayfield’s blindside protection would weaken
Could derail Tampa’s playoff hopes

Latest Update:

Wirfs has attended minicamp but hasn’t ruled out a holdout

5. Pat Surtain II – CB, Denver Broncos

Why He Might Hold Out:

Elite shutdown corner on a rookie contract
Market reset by Jaire Alexander & Denzel Ward ($21M+/year)
Broncos may wait to extend him until 2025

Impact if He Holds Out:

Denver’s secondary would be vulnerable
Could force Sean Payton’s hand in negotiations

Latest Update:

Surtain has been quiet, but his agent is known for hardball tactics

How NFL Holdouts Typically End

Historically, holdouts have three possible outcomes:

✅ Player Gets Paid (See: Chris Jones, 2023)
❌ Player Loses Leverage & Returns (See: Saquon Barkley, 2023)
⚠ Holdout Extends Into Season (See: Le’Veon Bell, 2018)

For the latest holdout news, follow NFL Newsz.