NFL OTAs tracker: Deebo Samuel, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray will reportedly be absent
We've reached everyone's (or no one's) favorite time in the NFL offseason calendar: optional team activities! While they are technically optional, as the name indicates, players often use OTAs as a tool to communicate their dissatisfaction with the team, or even as leverage in contract disputes.
While longtime NFL vets are often encouraged to skip OTAs, the absence of younger or big-name players can raise more than a few eyebrows. Are your favorite players skipping OTAs? Check back here for updates.
Deebo Samuel skipping OTAs amid contract dispute
To no one's surprise, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is skipping team OTAs, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He reportedly asked the Niners to trade him in late April despite the fact that San Francisco was apparently willing to ink him to an extension. Samuel is likely trying to create some leverage to get the Niners to trade him, but the team has absolutely no reason to let him go.
Baker Mayfield will reportedly skip Browns OTAs
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield will be skipping the team's OTAs, which begin Tuesday. Mayfield requested a trade earlier this offseason, and the Browns have tried to deal him after trading for Deshaun Watson and signing backup quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs.
Kyler Murray reportedly skipping OTAs as contract extension looms
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will reportedly be absent from OTAs, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. He scrubbed his Instagram account of all mentions of the Cardinals in February, which caused drama until he eventually restored those posts. Murray is eligible for a massive contract extension this summer, but Schefter reported that "all continues to remain quiet" regarding a possible extension. The Cards have picked up Murray's 5th-year option, which would pay him $29.7 million in 2023.