NFL OTAs are Ricardo Louis Jersey underway, and with the voluntary workouts came the usual slew of drama that certain players won't be showing up.

Every year, a handful of big-name players sit out this portion of the offseason. This is due to a variety of factors both on and off the field. Some veterans like to sit out to get some extra rest, but others try to send their teams a me sage by skipping them.

The 2022 NFL offseason will be no different. Several big-name star players are choosing not to attend the workouts, and while their absences don't matter yet, they could be a harbinger of longer-term i sues or potential holdouts.

So, what should you make of players like Deebo Samuel and Baker Mayfield as they skip OTAs? Here's a breakdown of a handful of stars who aren't at OTAs and why they are skipping the event.

MORE:

What are NFL OTAs?

NFL OTAs are the "organized team activities" that clubs hold during the offseason. They are "completely voluntary," according to and they tend to be held in late May JC Tretter Jersey and early June; the start date for the OTAs vary from team to team.

Notable NFL OTA absences for 2022

Because OTAs are voluntary, some star players will choose to sit them out. However, some of those stars choose not to participate because they have an i sue with their respective teams.

It's important to note that's not the case foreveryOTA absence. However, when a player does skip OTAs due to an unresolved i sue with a club, it can be the first sign that the problem between the two parties could be a long- Eric Murray Jersey term one.

With that in mind, here is a list of the most notable 2022 OTA absences that could signal longer-term troubles between teams and players:

Baker Mayfield, BrownsDeebo Samuel, 49ersKyler Murray, CardinalsTerry McLaurin, CommandersDiontae Johnson, SteelersAaron Donald, Rams

MORE:

Why is Baker Mayfield absent from Browns OTAs?

Mayfield is absent from Cleveland's OTAs as he seeks a trade away from the team. He made his trade request shortly after the Browns' initial pursuit of Deshaun Watson became public.

At first, it appeared that Cleveland wasn't going to land the embattled Texans quarterback. However, Watson changed course and joined the Browns. Since then, Mayfield has remained steadfast that he would like to be traded, but the Browns haven't found a suitor.

As such, Mayfield remains on the roster, and the Browns seem to Austin Corbett Jersey want to keep him there. Watson could be suspended, so Cleveland may want to have Mayfield around as a top backup in case that happens.

Mayfield is doing what he can to get out of Cleveland and start fresh. That's part of why he is holding out from Browns OTAs. He wants to show the team that he isn't willing to serve as a backup for them to try Trevon Coley Jersey and force them to move on from him.

Why is Deebo Samuel absent from 49ers OTAs?

Samuel's absence from 49ers OTAs is similar to Mayfield's absence from those of the Browns. Samuel wants to be traded, but the 49ers have been unwilling to budge on any potential offers to date.

Samuel's i sues with the 49ers stem from his usage as a hybrid receiver/running back. He reportedly wants to run the ball le s while still being compensated as one of the top receivers in the NFL.

Samuel is under contract for 2022 and the 49ers can franchise tag him after the season if they like. So, they have some control over the situation. Samuel is trying to regain some of that by holding out.

MORE:

Why is Kyler Murrayabsent from Cardinals OTAs?

The drama between Murray and the Cardinals has been simmering the last few months, and it has reached a boiling point a couple of times during the offseason.

Long story short, Murray wants a new contract that compensates him as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. He hasn't gotten that yet, as Arizona Sheldrick Redwine Jersey seems content waiting to extend Murray.

The 24-year-old quarterback has yet to win a playoff game and has dealt with nagging injuries late every season during his career. So, Arizona may be willing to wait and see if he can stay healthy and win late in the year. But if Murray holds out into mandatory minicamp, the Cardinals may have to start worrying about what they will do at the quarterback spot.

Why is Terry McLaurin absent from Commanders OTAs?

McLaurin is one of the talented receivers selected in the 2019 NFL Draft that is due for a lucrative extension soon. He is sitting out OTAs Chris Hubbard Jersey as he looks to negotiate that with Washington.

As he awaits a new contract, Commanders WR Terry McLaurin did not attend the start of OTAs on Monday, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation. He has not attended workouts at all since the conclusion of the draft.

Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala)

Jhabvala also reports that McLaurin and the Commanders"remain far apart" in contract negotiations. So, this could just be getting started.

That said, it's worth noting that Washington didn't spend big in free agency, and reports that was part of the team's plan to have the space needed to sign McLaurin. So, clearly, the Commanders want to get a deal done. Both sides just want to make sure the price is fair.

Why Rashard Higgins Jersey is Diontae Johnson absent from Steelers OTAs?

Another wide receiver drafted in 2019, Johnson has improved each of his first three seasons NFL Cleveland Browns Jersey in the league. In 2021, he caught 107 pa ses for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.

Johnson is sitting out OTAs as he seeks a new contract from the Steelers.

Steelers OTAs: Diontae Johnsons no-show, Najee Harris legs and Brian Flores impactvia

Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly)

Fellow wideout Chase Claypool told reporters that Johnson's absence is no cause for alarm.

"I dont think it is a big deal, but I know people will make it a big deal because people need clicks and stuff," he said, . "It is not a big deal. We are going to get work in during the offseason."

Why is Aaron Donald absent from Rams OTAs?

Donald's situation is a bit different than the other players above. He has nothing left to prove, as he has been one of the NFL's best defensive players ever in recent seasons.

The Rams have been working on a restructured contract with Donald to make him the highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL. Coach Sean McVay said the between the two sides, but no deal has been agreed to yet.

It's hard to imagine Donald Joel Bitonio Jersey showing up for voluntary workouts not knowing whether he'll have the contract he wants, because if he doesn't get that contract, he might retire. So, why take extra reps he may not need in voluntary workouts?