Report: Malcolm Jenkins, who “wants a hefty raise to his deal,” isn’t expected to be at Eagles mandatory minicamp [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Adam Schefter is now reporting Malcolm Jenkins HAS shown up for Eagles minicamp.

Original story below.

Malcolm Jenkins has skipped the entirety of the Eagles’ voluntary offseason workout program for the first time in his career and now the veteran safety is expected to miss Philadelphia’s mandatory minicamp as well.

NFL insider Adam Schefter previously reported he doesn’t expect Jenkins to be at minicamp and now Howard Eskin is also saying the same thing. Eskin adds that Jenkins is looking for “a hefty raise to his deal.”

It was already assumed that Jenkins was skipping workouts due to contract demands. The new language here is that Jenkins’ demands are “hefty.” Of course, that’s a subjective term that leaves us guessing. Perhaps Jenkins is looking to make top five safety money in terms of annual value? And/or more fully guaranteed money? Chart via Over The Cap:

Jenkins has a legitimate case that he’s significantly underpaid. Just take a look at his comparative production:

And those stats don’t account for Jenkins’ value as one of the most important team leaders. Not to mention his willingness to play multiple positions and even contribute on special teams.

Jenkins missing mandatory practices — and being subject to fines in the process — is a clear sign that he’s serious about wanting more money. Here’s how much Jenkins stands to lose by skipping minicamp:

1st day missed: $14,775
2nd day missed: $29,550
3rd day missed: $44,325

Total: $88,650

Jenkins will be subject to even more fines if his absence continues through Eagles training camp, which begins in late July. Every missed training camp practice will cost Jenkins $40,000. He’ll also be docked one week of his regular season salary for every preseason game missed.

I’d think the Eagles will find a way to work out something with Jenkins prior to training camp. He’s too important to their operation to have him disgruntled and absent. With Rodney McLeod on the mend, Philadelphia’s current first team safeties are Andrew Sendejo and Tre Sullivan. Deiondre’ Hall is lining up as the team’s third safety in big nickel packages. That’s just not ideal; none of those players are even stone cold locks to make the roster. With this in mind, Jenkins has some leverage.

The Eagles have leverage of their own since they can opt not to give Jenkins a raise and wait for him to return to practice while his fines rack up.

Ultimately, I don’t think the Eagles playing hardball with Jenkins for an extended period is a great look. Failing to reward him sets a bad precedent. I mean, what kind of message does it send when you won’t take care of a player who has: barely missed any playing time since joining the Eagles in 2014, been a vocal team leader while guiding the team through adversity, been willing to play multiple positions, made a positive impact in the community, and so on.

If you’re the Eagles, don’t you want to signal to your young players that if you go out and be like Jenkins — who has gone way above and beyond the call of duty — you’ll be fairly rewarded?

The Eagles need to do the right thing and make Jenkins happy.