With the news of Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson holding in at training camp, fantasy managers are concerned about the availability of the first two picks in the draft this year. With both running backs being the same age, out of the same draft class, and both entering their first seasons as the primary bell cow for their team, the contracts they’re looking for should reset the market. But if one resets the market on Monday, the other will have reset it again by Wednesday.
Holding out comes with baggage, and it’s more than the bags of money these players walk away with most of the time. Many of us can recall a player sitting out of training camp and missing time at the start of the season or later down the road, but if we look at the numbers we can see how this impacts the rest of their season and the rest of their career. Let’s look at some of the players who have held out recently.
Ja’Marr Chase - Cincinnati Bengals - 2024
In 2024 Ja’Marr Chase changed the equation a bit by holding in at camp. He was in the facility for the first four weeks of training camp, but didn’t participate in drills. He signed a new contract making him the highest paid non QB in NFL history, and the first wide receiver to get paid over $40 million per year. That season Chase didn’t miss any time in the regular season, and was the WR1 for the season.
What great news! Holding out means Robinson and Gibbs should play great, and they are going to get paid. Win win. Everyone’s happy. End of the article. Before you click off, let’s look at another 2024 hold out.
CeeDee Lamb - Dallas Cowboys - 2024
CeeDee Lamb was embattled in a contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys before signing his contract to make him the highest paid WR when he signed his contract getting paid $136 million over 4 years. CeeDee missed minicamp and training camp this season and finished the year as WR8 and missed the fantasy championship in Week 17, along with missing Week 18. In Week 9 Lamb suffered an injury to his AC joint, causing his snap rate to drop as the season progressed. After their Week 16 matchup against Tampa Bay, scans indicated he needed immediate treatment, shutting him down for the rest of the season.