Not sure if it’s a big deal or not but several upper-echelon players are skipping out on their teams’ off-season workouts this spring. While the workouts are voluntary there’s always been a sort of unspoken less-than-voluntary-ness to the way coaches talk about these gatherings. Despite the possibility of angering coaches, in all likelihood only a couple of them will have much impact.

Phillip Daniels, for example, might actually benefit. He’s an aging player and he’s spending his off-season competing in power-lifting competitions. My guess is he comes into camp in fine shape – possibly with a little less wear-and-tear on his body. His Redskins teammate LaRon Landry, however, is heading into just his second season. While he’s potentially a star in the making I don’t think he’s earned the right yet to be one of a handful of guys not attending Washington’s workouts.

Vikings center Matt Birk is entering the last year of his contract and there’s been reportedly no effort to extend his deal. Birk supposedly plans to sit this year’s workouts out. He’s entering his 11th season and he’s generally considered the consummate pro. He’ll be ready to answer the bell for the Vikes in September.

The bigger issue there is what does the team do in 2009? If they aren’t extending his deal he’s probably either retiring or moving on as a free agent after the season. Look for the Vikings to spend a draft choice or two on the offensive line, including one on Birk’s potential successor.

Albert Haynesworth, the defensive tackle for Tennessee, is also sitting out off-season workouts. He hasn’t signed his tender following being named the Titans’ franchise player, so that could be playing a role. His wife also reportedly filed for divorce, so he may be working out some personal issues. He’s tethered to the team for one more year and, while he is certainly coming into his own as a star, his personal issues might make it wise to keep him on one- or two-year deals. You never know what might happen if this guy gets the big bonus paycheck at some point.

The team most affected by stars sitting out is Cincinnati. The Bengals, coming off of a disappointing season, are missing both starting wide receivers. TJ Houshmandzadeh has skipped workouts for a couple seasons now. Though he is reportedly upset about his contract he has shown up in shape and seems to be a dedicated pro, albeit willing to get in quarterback Carson Palmer’s face from time-to-time. I wouldn’t worry too much about his performance in the season ahead.

His wideout-mate Chad Johnson could be another matter. Ocho-Cinco has been marketing himself to other teams on network appearances since the clock hit 0:00 in the Bengals’ last game. Many have commented that this has the appearances of another Terrell Owens situation from a couple off-seasons ago. I think this one could get ugly as Johnson clearly wants out and the Bengals seem intent on keeping him around. I think it’d be better for the team to cut the cord on this one – preferably before the draft.

A player that could benefit from all this tumult is Chris Henry. With both starters sitting out all Henry has to do is stay away from high school girls to get more work in with Palmer this off-season. From a team and a fantasy football perspective, I’d keep my eyes on the behaviorally-challenged one. This could give him an opportunity to shine.

Then there’s the plain, old, stupid. As previously noted in this forum San Diego special teamer Kassim Osgood is pondering staying away from workouts. Unwritten rule – or it should be if it isn’t – guys that make their livings playing special teams should just be grateful they have jobs. There are any number of guys that would take their spots and play for less. Get your butt to Chargers headquarters, preferably yesterday.