The landscape of NFL contract negotiations is rapidly evolving, thanks to the stipulations outlined in the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A notable development is the use of the "hold-in" tactic, where players attend training camps but refrain from participating in practice drills to express contract dissatisfaction without incurring hefty fines.
The Impact of the 2020 CBA
The 2020 CBA mandates that teams must fine players who miss training camp. Players beyond their rookie contracts face fines of $50,000 per day, while rookies are fined $40,000 per day. Additionally, missing preseason games incurs a penalty of a week's base salary for each game missed. These rules have targeted unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options.
Despite the obstacles, some players have found ways to leverage their positions for new deals. T.J. Watt's "hold-in" during the 2021 training camp resulted in him becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the regular season began.
Brandon Aiyuk's Holdout
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts, leading to a fine of $101,716 for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Aiyuk has been vocal about his dissatisfaction, even requesting a trade shortly before the start of training camp. Scheduled to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option, Aiyuk's situation epitomizes the complexities of modern NFL contract negotiations.
Ja'Marr Chase's Potential Hold-In
Ja'Marr Chase's approach has raised eyebrows in Cincinnati. The Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, yet he skipped team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. Speculation is rife that Chase might not play without a new contract.
Bengals president Mike Brown commented on the situation, emphasizing the importance of Chase to the team's future: "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it."
Brown also hinted at focusing on football during the season, stating, "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."
Consequences for Players
The current CBA provides significant leverage to teams. The maximum penalty for a breach or violation of Paragraph 2 in the NFL Player Contract is a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. If a player walks out after reporting to training camp, they risk being placed on the reserve/left squad list, which would prevent them from playing for the rest of the season and freeze their contract for the following year.
Recent High-Profile Contracts
Beyond the holdouts and hold-ins, several players have secured lucrative contracts. Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. DeVonta Smith inked a three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Jaylen Waddle received a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins.
The evolving strategies and negotiations underscore a broader trend in how NFL players and teams navigate contracts. With the 2020 CBA setting strict penalties, players like Aiyuk and Chase are finding innovative ways to assert their value and negotiate better deals.
The professional football landscape continues to shift, and with each new contract negotiation, the balance of power between players and teams is tested anew. As the seasons progress, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will evolve, but one thing is certain: the game off the field is becoming just as intricate and strategic as the game on it.