The landscape of NFL training camp holdouts has evolved significantly under the new rules introduced by the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). With more stringent financial penalties now in place, holdouts are not without significant consequences.
Financial Consequences
Under the terms of the 2020 CBA, teams are required to fine players who are not on rookie contracts a hefty $50,000 per day for training camp absences. Those on rookie contracts are not exempt from these penalties either, facing a $40,000-per-day fine for any missed time. The agreement doesn't stop there; it dictates a punitive measure of one week's base salary for each preseason game missed by unrestricted free agents or first-round picks playing under their fifth-year option.
The only relief provided under this agreement is a provision that allows for fine forgiveness or reduction, but only for players still on rookie contracts.
Notable Holdouts and Contract Resolutions
Nick Bosa made headlines before the 2023 regular season with a landmark five-year, $170 million extension. This deal set records for non-quarterback contracts, including $122.5 million in overall guarantees and $88 million fully guaranteed at signing. Bosa’s deal illustrates the financial heights top-tier players can reach when contract negotiations are successful.
Chris Jones, one of the more notable holdouts, saw his absence extend into the regular season, culminating in $2.25 million in mandatory fines for missing training camp and forfeiting a $500,000 workout bonus. Despite the penalties, his 51-day holdout concluded with a modified contract that added $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the 2023 contract year. This adjustment underscores how players can leverage their performance to secure new terms, even in the face of stiff penalties.
Zack Martin also achieved a significant contract adjustment, securing a $9.35 million raise over the remaining two years of his contract. His previously unsecured 2024 base salary is now fully guaranteed, providing him with an additional financial safety net.
Minicamp No-Shows
Players such as Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick opted to skip mandatory minicamps over contract disputes. The penalty for missing an entire three-day minicamp stands at $101,716, reflecting the league's strict stance on mandatory participation.
Big Extensions and Performances
Justin Jefferson also made waves by signing a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, averaging $35 million per year. His extension includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier wide receivers.
CeeDee Lamb’s remarkable season, which included 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, certainly boosts his leverage in any future contract negotiations. However, there’s speculation that the Cowboys may hesitate to make him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, despite his record-breaking performance.
Penei Sewell's contract with the Detroit Lions also set new benchmarks for offensive linemen. His four-year, $112 million deal, including $85 million in guarantees, emphasizes the premium placed on protecting quarterbacks in today's NFL.
Meanwhile, Haason Reddick continued to demonstrate his defensive prowess with his fourth consecutive season of double-digit sacks in 2023. In a strategic move, Reddick was traded to the Jets, with the trade involving a conditional 2026 third-round pick that could elevate to a second-round pick based on his performance, showcasing his significant market value.
Amari Cooper, a model of consistency for the Browns, surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons, culminating in a Pro Bowl selection in 2023. His performance ensures his place among the NFL’s elite wide receivers.
Conclusion
The evolution of NFL contracts and holdout strategies under the 2020 CBA continues to shape the financial landscape of the league. Players and teams are navigating these new rules, balancing the weight of financial penalties against the potential for securing more favorable contract terms. As the league moves forward, the stories of these standout players and their respective negotiations offer a compelling glimpse into the high-stakes world of professional football contract management.