Dallas Cowboys: Jeremy Mincey caves; holdout arrives in Oxnard
When the Dallas Cowboys entered training camp last week, they did so missing one of their key players from last year. Reportedly trying to adjust his contract since February, Cowboys defensive end Jeremy Mincey opted not to report to camp with his teammates in order to force the team into negotiations. Instead of forcing Dallas’ front office into action, it now appears the Cowboys sack leader from last year has caved in to their demands.
More from The Landry Hat
- 3 ways Cowboys’ Dak Prescott can have a bounce-back season in 2023
- Cowboys News: Dallas sets pre-draft visit with potential Dalton Schultz upgrade
- NFL executives heaping praise on offseason is uncharted territory for Cowboys
- 3 free agent signings from NFC East rivals that left Cowboys fans laughing
- Cowboys News: Brandin Cooks sends flattering message to CeeDee Lamb, Stephon Gilmore
It is now being reported by various sources that the 31-year old Mincey arrived in Oxnard, California, home of the Cowboys training camp, on Saturday and could start practicing as early as today. The seven-year veteran’s holdout appears to be close to an end after he’s missed the Cowboys first few practices and is now facing several thousands of dollars worth of fines because of it. According to the Dallas Morning News, a source has said that Mincey will meet with Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones and head coach Jason Garrett sometime today to discuss a new two-year deal.
Last week, when asked about Mincey’s absence, Jones boldly responded by drawing a definitive line in the sand.
"“[Mincey’s] a player under contract and we expect all players under contract to be here,” Jones told the media during the opening press conference for the Cowboys training camp (via the Cowboys official website) on Wednesday. “We’ve talked to him about it. We certainly won’t be talking to him about it if he’s not here…When he signed that contract last year, his representative was there, he was all for it and he signed it. It’s not a long-term deal. It’s over at the end of this year.”"
A former sixth round selection by the New England Patriots in the 2006 NFL Draft, Mincey spent the first six seasons of his professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags cut ties with the defensive end with two games left in the 2013 regular season due to consistent tardiness (ironically). He was almost immediately picked up by the Denver Broncos and would help them make a Super Bowl run later that same season.
Following his short stint with the Broncos, Mincey signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Cowboys in early 2014. With $2 million guaranteed, a $500,000 signing bonus and another $3 million available through incentives throughout the life of the deal; he was arguably the best free agent who landed in Dallas last season. Mincey ended up recording 37 total tackles and a team-high 6.0 sacks during his first year with the Cowboys. Now, it appears he’s looking to cash in, like teammates All-Pro wide recevier Dez Bryant and cornerback Orlando Scandrick did earlier this offseason.
But the Cowboys front office refused to even talk to Mincey about a contract adjustment unless the veteran reported to camp. And for every practice he missed, Dallas would fine him.
"“We fully expect him to be here and if he’s not, there is recourse for us as well in terms of, he would be fined if he misses camp,” Jones continued. “But it is disappointing. We expect him to be here. We want him to be here and he can be a big part of this team.”"
Facing a $30,000 fine for every missed practice, it now appears Mincey has caved into those demands and is on the brink of officially reporting to training camp. According to ESPNDallas.com, Mincey is the 70th-highest paid defensive end in the league. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 16th best player at his position in the 4-3 defensive scheme in 2014.