The landscape of NFL training camp holdouts has undergone significant changes with the implementation of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The 2020 CBA introduced stringent financial penalties for players who abstain from attending, which has reshaped player negotiations and team strategies.
Financial Penalties and Player Holdouts
Under the new agreement, teams are mandated to fine players who aren’t on rookie contracts $50,000 per day for training camp absences. Players on rookie contracts face a slightly lesser, but still substantial, $40,000-per-day fine. Additionally, there is 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 current agreement allows fine forgiveness or reduction only for players still on rookie contracts, placing significant financial pressure on veteran players to attend.
Notable Holdouts and Contracts
Nick Bosa’s contract serves as a prominent example of the CBA’s impact. Before the 2023 regular season began, Bosa secured a five-year, $170 million extension with record-setting guarantees for a non-quarterback: $122.5 million overall and $88 million fully guaranteed at signing. This extension underscored the evolving financial landscape, where top-tier players negotiate vast sums despite the risks associated with holdouts.
Chris Jones, meanwhile, had a rare holdout that extended into the regular season. Jones accumulated $2.25 million in mandatory fines for missing training camp and forfeited a $500,000 workout bonus. His 51-day holdout concluded with a modified contract that introduced $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the 2023 contract year, showcasing a compromise between player aspirations and team constraints.
Zack Martin also secured a substantial financial gain amid his holdout. Martin achieved a $9.35 million raise over the remaining two years of his contract, with his previously unsecured 2024 base salary now fully guaranteed. This deal reflects a strategic approach by teams to retain key players while adhering to the constraints imposed by the CBA.
Minicamp Absences
Several players, including Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick, skipped mandatory minicamps over contract issues. The penalty for missing an entire three-day minicamp is $101,716, a notable deterrent under the CBA. These absences highlighted ongoing contractual disputes and the complex negotiations required to align player expectations with team budgets.
High-Profile Extensions and Performance Highlights
Justin Jefferson signed a landmark four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, averaging $35 million per year. Jefferson’s deal included $110 million in overall guarantees, with $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing, underscoring his value to the team and the league. Similarly, CeeDee Lamb had a record-breaking season with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, the Cowboys may hesitate to make Lamb the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback, reflecting the financial balancing act teams must perform.
Penei Sewell joined the ranks of highly compensated players by signing a four-year, $112 million deal with the Detroit Lions, setting a new record for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees. This extension signifies the crucial role of offensive linemen in team strategies and financial planning.
Trades and Player Performance
Haason Reddick was traded to the Jets for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, which could elevate to a second-round pick based on his performance. Reddick’s fourth consecutive season with double-digit sacks in 2023 highlighted his consistent prowess on the field, making him a valuable asset for the Jets.
Amari Cooper’s performance also stood out, with over 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons for the Browns and a Pro Bowl selection in 2023. These achievements underscore Cooper’s enduring talent and the strategic importance of experienced players to their teams.
The 2020 CBA has clearly reshaped the dynamics of NFL training camps, player holdouts, and contract negotiations. As players and teams navigate this evolving landscape, the financial implications continue to play a critical role in shaping decisions and strategies within the league.