Jets' Training Camp Countdown: Potential No-Shows and Absences
The Jets Country Training Camp Countdown, a series of nine questions, runs from July 10 through 18, counting down the days until rookies and veterans report to the New York Jets' facility on July 19.
It's down to single digits.
There are only nine days until the New York Jets' official 2023 NFL Training Camp report date for both rookies and veterans.
With check-ins slated for July 19, there's only one appropriate question to kick off the daily Jets Country Training Camp Countdown — will there be any no-shows?
Training camp reps are critical especially for a team that has experienced change at starting quarterback and offensive coordinator. The transition will be magnified this year due to the Jets' need to gel quickly in order to survive a brutal early-season schedule.
For those reasons, attendance is important. Not to mention, it is required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
There were two notable names who were not present during the heart of the Jets' voluntary offseason program, but their absences should not be viewed as an indication of what's to come. Receiver Corey Davis and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams both had family reasons to remain home this spring.
Williams is likely the only legitimate no-show candidate when it comes to training camp. With his fifth-year option exercised, the All-Pro selection is seeking a new contract that brings his annual salary up to market value.
Williams's lack of participation in voluntary organized team activities, however, may not have been a sign of discontent. The 25-year-old welcomed a newborn into his family in May.
"Q-Ball [Quinnen Williams], I know they’re about to have a baby, which is awesome. Q, good luck brother," said head coach Robert Saleh on May 23. "I’m not worried at all. That thing [contract negotiations] will get done and he’ll be here."
Williams is in line for a massive payday if recent signings around the league are indicative. On June 3, the Buffalo Bills agreed to a four-year, $68 million deal with defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who was drafted six selections after Williams in 2019.
Earlier in the offseason, the Tennessee Titans and Jeffery Simmons, who has All-Pro credentials like Williams, completed a four-year $94 million extension. Across town, the New York Giants gave Dexter Lawrence a four-year, $90 million contract in early May.
Sports Illustrated slotted Williams as the No. 7 overall defensive lineman in the NFL, including edge rushers. NFL Media's Eric Edhollm listed the interior lineman as the Jets' 2023 "non-QB MVP candidate."
During the final week of OTAs, Saleh reiterated his belief that Williams will report to the team facility on time.
"I speak for everyone, I probably speak for Quinnen in that we all want it to get done sooner rather than later," said Saleh. "I’ll let the business guys handle all that stuff, but it’s going to get done. He’ll be here for camp."
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Training camp "holdouts" are no longer effective contract negotiation tactics since the new CBA, which strengthened penalties for absent players, went into effect three years ago.
Excerpt from CBA:
"A player shall not receive an Accrued Season for any League Year in which the player is under contract to a Club and in which (i) he failed to report to the Club's preseason training camp on that player's mandatory reporting date..."
Holdouts are prohibited from registering accrual time, which affects a player's free-agent status. The financial penalty for not showing is $50,000 per day. The fines are no longer forgivable, but exceptions can be made for players on rookie contracts.
As for Davis, the veteran receiver also welcomed a child during OTAs.
"We’ve had talks with Corey. I believe they’re having another child, so I don’t think you guys will see him here, but he’s been great," said Saleh on May 31.
Davis enters the final season of a three-year, $37.5 million contract and he could be looking at a pay cut to help the Jets remain salary cap compliant.
"As far as contract is concerned, I’ll leave that for Joe [Douglas], but he’s definitely an asset to this football team," said Saleh.
Rumored as a potential "cut" candidate, Davis could be safe due to the value that the big-bodied receiver brings in the run game. Saleh has repeatedly said that the seventh-year pro is part of the team's plans for 2023.
"He’s going to be on this team," said Saleh during the Jets' rookie minicamp in early May.
After the players arrive on the designated report date, the next question to answer is who will have "full-go" status and which attendees will still be easing their way back from injury?
We'll have the answer in fewer than 10 days' time.
READ MORE:
Joe Douglas Has Unfinished Business to Address
No Mandatory Minicamp Means No Quinnen Williams Update
Jets' Position Battles: Starting Offensive Tackle Spots Spoken for?
NFL Suspends New York Jets' Cornerback for Off-Field Incident
