NFL Stars Engage in Training Camp Holdouts and Hold-ins

Several high-profile NFL players are missing practices or avoiding training camps this month due to ongoing contract disputes [1, 2].

These disputes create significant gaps in team rosters during the critical preparation period before the regular season. When star players refuse to practice, it disrupts the timing of offensive and defensive schemes and forces teams to rely on depth players who may not be ready for starting roles.

Among those involved are Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ^[2]. Both players are engaged in disputes over more favorable contract terms or extensions ^[3]. While some players choose to hold out by staying away from the facility entirely, others are "holding in" — a tactic where the player reports to the team to avoid fines but refuses to participate in on-field drills [1, 3].

Defensive lines are also feeling the impact. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea and Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Tuli Tuipulotu are among those tracked in these disputes ^[2]. Reports vary on the exact number of high-profile hold-ins at the start of camp, with some sources citing three players and others tracking four [1, 2].

These tensions arise as players seek higher valuations while teams struggle to manage salary-cap constraints ^[3]. The conflict has cast a shadow over several NFL contenders as they attempt to integrate their rosters for the 2026 season [2, 3].

Teams typically use a combination of financial incentives and the threat of fines to bring players back. However, the use of the hold-in strategy allows players to maintain a presence at the facility, avoid the heaviest financial penalties, and still exert pressure on the front office to negotiate a new deal [1, 3].