One key Chiefs player is absent from mandatory minicamp with just one year remaining on his current deal

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The Kansas City Chiefs have ticked off one day of their three-day mandatory minicamp program as they reach the final step of the offseason program.

Mandatory minicamp is no different from the OTAs but all players are expected to be present under the players’ collective bargaining agreement.

If players fail to show up for this aspect of the offseason program, they are subject to fines that could total over $100,000.

The padless training sessions have proved to be an excellent chance for old and new faces to settle down before the 2024 season.

Moreover, the offseason program is important for rookies to embrace their environment and become acquainted with fellow newbies and veterans.

The Chiefs reach the final stage of their offseason program before the summer break

Coaches strongly encourage their players to make the most of the offseason to lay down the early work before the summer break.

Mandatory minicamp is the final hurdle before the Kansas City Chiefs roster can unwind on their summer break.

However, preseason is approaching thick and fast with the team scheduled to participate at Missouri Western State University between July 23 and August 17.

Despite the team entering the second day of mandatory minicamp, one key player failed to attend training.

Harrison Butker absent from the first day of the mandatory minicamp

Harrison Butker was absent from the first day and the reason for his decision to refrain has not been disclosed to the public.

The Chiefs kicker kicked up controversy with his speech to the graduates at Benedictine College but his views were protected under the First Amendment.

Nonetheless, this does not correlate with his presence at minicamp because he attended the remainder of the OTAs after the speech.

Several Chiefs stars including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce addressed the issue but respected their kicker.

The special teams superstar went 8/8 on extra points and 11/11 on field goal attempts during the franchise’s latest Super Bowl run.

Harrison ‘Mr. Perfect’ Butker could be fishing for a new long-term deal

Butker was dubbed ‘Mr. Perfect’ and he also nailed a 56-yard field goal to set an NFL record for the longest one in a Super Bowl final.

Furthermore, the history-maker has been one of the most clutch kickers in the NFL and is entering a contract year.

Butker could be hopeful of becoming the highest-paid kicker in the NFL and may want the financial security a long-term deal provides.

As it stands, the highest-paid rival is the Baltimore Ravens Justin Tucker. The veteran earns $6 million APY on a four-year deal that runs through to the 2027 season.

Butker is hopeful his services will earn him more, as game-winning reliable kickers are hard to come by.