Holdout Odds for NFL's Most Challenging Contract Situations

Every year, some NFL players hold out. Often, a troublesome contract situation makes a holdout easy to predict. Other times, it is more difficult. 

This year, there aren't many likely holdouts. There may not be any, though that seems unlikely. There are, however, several players with chances of holding out.

But what are the odds they do?

It's easy to say a player "could" hold out, but it is much more difficult to put an actual number on it.

So that's exactly what we're going to do.

7. Anthony Spencer, DE, Dallas Cowboys

One factor makes it unlikely that Anthony Spencer holds out.

He's already signed his franchise tender.

Negotiations between Spencer and the Cowboys reportedly aren't going so well, and the two parties may not agree on a long-term deal before the July 15th deadline. 

However, because he already signed his franchise tender, holding out doesn't make much sense for Spencer. He could be fined for missing training camp, so the defensive end will probably be there.

Holdout Odds: 20-to-1

6. Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler's contract is up after this season, but he seems content to play it out. 

That doesn't mean something couldn't still go wrong, though.

Cutler is among the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, but he has a new coaching staff in Chicago, and the new front office has no investment in him. The current regime may not value him as much as the one that traded two first-round picks for him did.

There have been no indications that a holdout is looming, but again, anything is possible.

Holdout Odds: 20-to-1

5. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons and Matt Ryan are working on a new deal, but nothing is imminent. Ryan's contract expires after the 2013 season, and both parties would like to get something done before the season starts. 

This is another situation that seems unlikely to turn sour. Perhaps, the two parties will have such strong disagreements that Ryan will balk and choose to skip training camp.

It doesn't seem likely, but who would have guessed Drew Brees would hold out? In the NFL, much crazier things have happened.

Holdout Odds: 20-to-1

4. Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants

Hakeem Nicks missed the Giants' minicamp, though he claims his absence had nothing to do with his contract situation. 

It's always possible that Nicks isn't telling the truth, though. Talks between the 25-year-old and New York apparently haven't gone well, and the injury-prone Nicks is running the risk of missing time again in 2013, which could hurt his value.

Once again, a holdout isn't particularly likely. But until Nicks is at training camp, it does remain possible.

Holdout Odds: 15-to-1

3. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings

Jared Allen is entering the final year of his contract, and the 31-year-old would probably like a new deal sooner rather than later. However, he said he isn't pushing.

Allen had a bit of a down year in 2012, and he would probably like insurance if it turns out last year wasn't a fluke. The Vikings would probably prefer to commit for the exact same reason.

Right now, a holdout doesn't seem in the cards. Allen attended minicamp, though he didn't participate due to a shoulder injury. 

Holdout Odds: 15-to-1

2. Ryan Clady, OT, Denver Broncos

The Broncos used the franchise tag on Ryan Clady, and he hasn't committed to showing up to training camp. The closest he has come to a commitment is saying, "More than likely I'll be there."

The 26-year-old Clady is one of the NFL's best left tackles, and he is in line for a huge contract. Clady's market value only complicates negotiations, of course, and Denver may be reluctant to pay out so much money.

Chances are that Clady will report. His statement suggests that he will, despite the obvious lack of certainty. 

Holdout Odds: 2-to-1

1. Jairus Byrd, S, Buffalo Bills

Jairus Byrd skipped Buffalo's minicamp, and he hasn't yet committed to attending training camp. Similarly, Byrd has not signed his franchise tender, and he is reportedly far apart with the Bills on a new deal.

An elite safety, Byrd will get a huge deal on the open market if the Bills allow him to get there. Right now, it seems like that will happen eventually, as there have been no positive reports on negotiations. 

Right now, the question is if Byrd will make it to training camp. There hasn't been an indication either way, and it's fair to assume that the All-Pro free safety might sit out for at least part of camp.

Holdout Odds: 1-to-1