Justin Jefferson Isn’t the Only NFL Star to Sit Out Start of OTAs
The 2020 NFL Draft has been one of the more talented groups in recent memory, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
Now, the majority of the class, particularly those selected in the first round, are in search of new contracts. Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson is amongst those looking to garner a new contract extension, but he is far from the only player looking to do so. Here is a look at a few other offensive players from the 2020 NFL Draft who have not been present at OTAs.
WR CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb was the 17th overall pick back in 2020, and he has gone on to become one of the best young receivers in the league. In each of his first four seasons, Lamb has totaled at least 74 receptions, and in 2023, he led the league by catching 135 passes which went for 1749 yards and 12 TDs. Both totals were career highs, and he was selected as a first-team All-Pro as a result.
Now, Lamb is hoping that his production over the past four seasons can lead to a new contract, and he has not been present at OTAs for Dallas.
WR Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins was actually the first pick of the second round back in 2020, so his rookie contract came to an end following the 2023 season. As a result, the Bengals opted to franchise tag the young wide receiver, which then prompted a trade request from Higgins.
Since then, Higgins has not participated in Cincinnati’s OTAs because he has not signed the franchise tag tender after putting together 1000+ yards in two of his first four seasons.
WR Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk was selected just three picks after Justin Jefferson in the 2020 NFL Draft, going 25th overall to the San Francisco 49ers. The receiver has been a key part of San Francisco’s success in recent years, totaling over 1000 yards in each of the past two seasons. Now, as Aiyuk hopes to garner a new contract, he has not been present at OTAs.
OT Tristan Wirfs
Tristan Wirfs was selected with the 13th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, he has quickly blossomed into being one of the very best offensive tackles in the entire league. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons and was named a first-team All-Pro during the 2021 season. He’s also been one of the more consistently available players through his first four seasons, playing 16 or more games in three of his first four years.
Now, with Wirfs entering the fifth and final season of his contract, the offensive tackle has not been present at Tampa Bay’s OTA practices as he tries to continue negotiating a new contract.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.