NFL mandatory minicamps 2021: Derek Carr's stance, Julio Jones' debut, Tua Tagovailoa's rough day...
From quarterback Derek Carr making a bold statement about his commitment to the Las Vegas Raiders to Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throwing five interceptions in a heavy rainstorm to wide receiver Julio Jones taking the field in the Tennessee Titans' No. 2 uniform, some of the big names in the NFL made waves on Tuesday during NFL mandatory minicamps.
Eighteen NFL teams opened their mandatory three-day minicamps this week. Ten held theirs last week, with four teams electing to cancel. Teams that opted out of mandatory minicamps this week are the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers. The Philadelphia Eagles were the first team to skip theirs when they did so a week ago.
While practices were underway for half the league, much of the talk of Tuesday's camps included the players who haven't stepped foot on the field because of ongoing contract negotiations. Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore and Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams were among the notable players absent from their respective team facilities.
Teams have already been going through organized team activities, but this marks the first time that many veterans will take the field since the end of the 2020 NFL season. That includes some players who joined new teams this offseason, including prized free agents and edge rushers Matt Judon (Patriots) and Yannick Ngakoue (Raiders).
Here are some snapshots, many from ESPN's NFL Nation reporters who are on the scene at this week's activities, from Tuesday's minicamps:
Jump to the best of the day:
Top news of the day
Carr says he has no desire to leave Raiders
Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr re-asserted his desire to remain with the team that drafted him in the second round in 2014. "I'd probably quit football if I had to play for somebody else," Carr said.
Howard not at Dolphins camp over 'unique' situation
Xavien Howard, who hasn't shown up to any portion of the Dolphins' voluntary offseason program this year, was not in attendance for minicamp meetings Tuesday, and he's officially a holdout as he seeks a new contract. Coach Brian Flores noted the cornerback's situation is "unique" in regard to his contract because Howard feels like he has outplayed the five-year, $75.25 million extension he signed in May 2019.
Packers' Rodgers jokes about 'quiet offseason'
Aaron Rodgers, who has dominated the NFL headlines this spring because of his dissatisfaction with Green Bay, showed his sense of humor during a promotional video in advance of the July 6 golf match featuring Rodgers and PGA Tour star Bryson DeChambeau against Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson.
More NFL headlines:
- Cam Newton unfazed by Patriots' decision to draft QB Mac Jones
- Nick Chubb: 'Cleveland is where I want to be'
- Bengals' Joe Burrow still on track for Week 1, hopes to reach '100%'
- Panthers' Robby Anderson says he sees new 'glow' in QB Sam Darnold
- Sources: Seahawks' Jamal Adams sitting out camp
- CB Stephon Gilmore doesn't report to Patriots camp
- Bears TE Jimmy Graham recounts serious car accident
- Vikings reunite with defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson
- Falcons' Calvin Ridley says no pressure to replace Julio Jones
- DE Danielle Hunter reports to Vikings' minicamp
