As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the dynamics of contract negotiations have seen marked changes under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Higher stakes and stricter penalties have set the stage for players and teams to employ strategic maneuvers in the pursuit of fair remuneration and adherence to contractual obligations.
The Hold-in Tactic Gains Traction
One of the most notable tactics players have used to express contract dissatisfaction is the "hold-in" strategy. Unlike holdouts, where players miss training camp entirely, hold-ins involve players attending camp but not participating fully in practice. This maneuver allows players to avoid the significant fines associated with missing training camp while still signaling their discontent.
For instance, the Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt utilized the hold-in tactic in 2021. Watt attended training camps but refrained from full participation, which resulted in him becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the start of the regular season.
Financial Implications Under the CBA
The 2020 CBA mandates stringent fines for players who miss training camp. Players not on rookie contracts are fined $50,000 per day for their absence, while rookies face a $40,000 per day fine. Missing preseason games invites harsher penalties, including a week's base salary for each game missed. These penalties predominantly target unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options.
The rigorous fine structure has only one notable exception: potential fine forgiveness is available exclusively to players still on their rookie contracts. The training camp period, which extends from a team's mandatory reporting date to the Sunday before the first regular-season game, is a critical phase where these fines and penalties come heavily into play.
High-Stakes Decisions for Top Players
Two prominent wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Ja'Marr Chase, have recently found themselves at the center of these contract disputes. Scheduled to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option, Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts and incurred a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Additionally, Aiyuk has requested a trade just before the commencement of training camp, signaling his dissatisfaction.
In Cincinnati, Ja'Marr Chase has adopted a similar strategy. The Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025. Despite this, Chase refrained from participating in team drills beyond walkthroughs during the mandatory minicamp. It is speculated that Chase might take the hold-in route if a new contract isn't reached.
Bengals' President Mike Brown has addressed the situation, expressing the organization's recognition of Chase's importance to the team. "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it," Brown stated. While acknowledging a potential focus on football rather than contract negotiations during the season, he also remarked, "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."
Severe Consequences for Breach of Contract
The CBA grants teams substantial leverage over players who might choose not to fulfill their contractual obligations after reporting to training camp. Players walking out risk being placed on the reserve/left squad list, which would prevent them from playing for the rest of the season and freezing their contract for the following year. Moreover, violations of Paragraph 2 in the NFL Player Contract can lead to fines of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay, making the stakes particularly high for players considering such moves.
Other Notable Contracts
Recent high-profile contract extensions reflect the shifting financial landscape within the league. Justin Jefferson secured a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, featuring $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. DeVonta Smith agreed to 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.
These deals highlight the lucrative potential for top-tier talent while underscoring the importance of strategic negotiation under the new CBA framework. As players and teams continue to navigate these complex dynamics, the balance of power and fairness in the NFL's contractual landscape remains a critical focus for all involved.