The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has markedly evolved under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A nuanced strategy that has gained traction among players is the "hold-in" tactic. This maneuver allows players to express their dissatisfaction with existing contracts without incurring significant fines.
Players who miss training camp are subjected to mandatory fines under the current CBA. Veterans, those who have moved beyond their rookie contracts, face a substantial fine of $50,000 per day for their absence. Rookies are not exempt either, incurring a fine of $40,000 for each day missed. Furthermore, missing preseason games results in penalties targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks falling under the fifth-year options. Each missed game racks up a penalty equivalent to a week's base salary.
The period for training camp stretches from a team's mandatory reporting date through the Sunday before the first regular-season game. In this window, only rookies have the potential for fine forgiveness under the CBA. The fine schedule underlines the league's stringent measures to ensure player participation and maintain operational order during the preparatory period.
The Hold-In Tactic in Action
The "hold-in" tactic allows players to report to training camp but refrain from participating in team drills or fully engaging in practice. This approach provides leverage for players negotiating for better contract terms while mitigating the financial repercussions of outright holding out. A notable instance of the hold-in strategy in action was T.J. Watt's case in 2021. Watt used this tactic effectively and subsequently became the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback shortly before the regular-season opener.
Recent Player Movements
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk made headlines through his actions this offseason. Slated to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option, Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts and faced a hefty $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. His dissatisfaction surfaced even more starkly when he requested a trade shortly before the commencement of training camp.
Similarly, Ja'Marr Chase, another high-profile receiver, opted out of participating in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. The Cincinnati Bengals had exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase for the 2025 season. However, speculation abounds that Chase might not play without securing a new contract. This sit-stand dynamic has put the Bengals in a complex position. They could enforce their rights under Chase's current contract and the CBA to end his hold-in, but such a move risks straining relations with their star player.
Bengals president Mike Brown weighed in on the situation, stating, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." Brown added, "The offseason is a better time for that and we're going to try to keep focused on the football part. I'm not going to rule anything out, but I will tell you that the die has probably been cast."
Contractual Consequences and Player Decisions
The CBA outlines strict consequences for players who breach their NFL Player Contracts. The maximum penalty involves a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Moreover, any player who chooses to walk out after reporting to training camp risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list. This designation would prevent them from playing for the rest of the season and effectively freeze their contract for the following year—a stiff deterrent to any mid-camp absconding.
New Contract Extensions
The off-season also witnessed the signing of several lucrative contract extensions, reflecting the high stakes and significant financial commitments inherent in the NFL. Justin Jefferson secured a high-profile four-year contract extension worth $140 million with the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson's deal includes $110 million in overall guarantees, with $88.743 million fully guaranteed at the signing.
Other star receivers also inked significant deals. DeVonta Smith signed a three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Jaylen Waddle agreed to a three-year, $84.75 million extension with the Miami Dolphins. These high-value contracts underscore the premium placed on elite talent in the league and set the stage for both individual and team performance benchmarks in the seasons ahead.
The shifting dynamics of contract negotiations, punctuated by player tactics and rigorous CBA stipulations, continue to shape the NFL landscape. As the league and its players navigate these complexities, the strategies employed and the outcomes achieved will reverberate throughout the broader sports world.