The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has taken on new dimensions under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The evolution has introduced fresh strategies, such as the "hold-in" tactic used by players to express discontent with their contracts without facing hefty fines for missing training camps. This maneuver allows players to attend training camps but with limited participation, aiming to leverage their presence for better contract terms.
Under the CBA, teams are obligated to impose strict penalties on those who miss training camp. Players beyond their rookie contracts can face fines as steep as $50,000 per day, while rookies encounter fines of $40,000 per day. Penalties are also enforced for missing preseason games, targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks under their fifth-year options. Missing a preseason game entails a penalty of a week's base salary for each missed game, underscoring the financial weight of such decisions.
The "Hold-In" Phenomenon
A prime example of the “hold-in” tactic is T.J. Watt, who utilized this approach in 2021 and subsequently became the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the regular-season opener. This move has inspired other players to consider similar strategies to secure favorable terms.
In the current landscape, Brandon Aiyuk's situation with the San Francisco 49ers highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between player desires and team policies. Aiyuk, slated to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 under a fifth-year option, skipped offseason workouts and incurred a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. His dissatisfaction culminated in a trade request just before the start of training camp.
Meanwhile, Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals is in a comparable predicament. Although the Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, his participation in team drills has been minimal beyond walkthroughs during June's minicamp. Bengals President Mike Brown emphasized the significance of Chase to the team, saying, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." Chase's potential holdout looms, with reports suggesting he might not play without a new contract. The Bengals could, however, enforce their rights under his current contract and the CBA to break his hold-in.
Penalties and Consequences
The CBA sets forth maximum penalties for contract violations, including a fine of one week's salary and up to a four-week suspension without pay. Additionally, a player who walks out after reporting to training camp risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list, which would prevent him from playing for the remainder of the season and effectively freeze his contract for the following year.
Notable Contract Extensions
While contract disputes and hold-ins make headlines, several prominent players have secured substantial contract extensions this offseason. Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, featuring $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Similarly, DeVonta Smith inked a three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jaylen Waddle received a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins.
Mike Brown's cautious stance reflects a strategic approach to contract talks. He mentioned, "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."
The NFL's contract landscape is continually shifting, shaped by strategic negotiations and the evolving tactics of players and their agents. As the season approaches, the resolution of these contract disputes will be crucial to the teams' success and the players' future earnings and career trajectories.