The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has taken on a new dimension under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A striking example is the emergence of the "hold-in" tactic, a maneuver players are utilizing to express their dissatisfaction with their current contracts while avoiding hefty fines for missing training camp.
Hold-Ins and Their Implications
The new CBA mandates that teams impose fines on players missing training camp. Players beyond their rookie contracts face a fine of $50,000 per day, while rookies are fined $40,000 per day. Adding to the financial penalty is the forfeiture of a week's base salary for each preseason game missed. These stipulations target unrestricted free agents and first-round picks on their fifth-year options. Only those on rookie contracts have potential for fine forgiveness, creating a complex landscape for players and teams alike.
The "hold-in" approach enables players to attend training camp but limit their participation to avoid risking injury while pushing for a new contract. T.J. Watt successfully employed this tactic in 2021, eventually becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback shortly before the regular-season opener.
Recent Developments: Aiyuk and Chase
Brandon Aiyuk serves as a notable case study in the use of the "hold-in" tactic. Scheduled to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 under a fifth-year option, Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts and incurred a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Shortly before training camp, he requested a trade, demonstrating his discontent and desire for renegotiation.
Similarly, Ja'Marr Chase has not participated in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. Chase's situation is further complicated by the Cincinnati Bengals exercising a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for him in 2025. However, the star receiver might not play without a new contract, putting both the player and the team in a precarious position.
Bengals president Mike Brown acknowledged the delicate nature of the situation, stating, "He’s a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He’s our next one. He knows that. We know it." Brown further elaborated on the team's stance: "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."
Contractual Penalties and Enforcements
The CBA outlines the maximum penalty for a breach or violation of Paragraph 2 in the NFL Player Contract, which can include a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Additionally, if a player walks out after reporting to training camp, they risk being placed on the reserve/left squad list. This designation prevents them from playing for the rest of the season and freezes their contract for the following year, adding another layer of complexity and risk for hold-out strategies.
Recent High-Profile Signings
In contrast, several recent high-profile signings have highlighted the lucrative potential for top players. Justin Jefferson secured a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, including $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, and Jaylen Waddle received a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins. These significant contracts underscore the financial opportunities within the league, even as negotiation tactics and CBA stipulations evolve.
As the NFL landscape continues to shift, the dynamics of contract negotiations, player strategies, and team responses will undoubtedly remain a compelling aspect of the sport. The interplay between player leverage and team management under the current CBA creates an ever-evolving narrative that keeps fans and analysts alike engrossed in the off-field drama that shapes the on-field performances.