The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has undergone a significant transformation under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). One of the key tactics emerging from this new environment is the "hold-in," a strategic maneuver by players to express dissatisfaction with their contracts. While previous methods often involved holding out of team activities entirely, today's players are increasingly opting for a more subtle approach: attending training camp but refraining from full participation.
The Hold-In Strategy
Under the current CBA, players beyond their rookie contracts face hefty penalties for missing training camp, with fines set at $50,000 per day. Rookies aren't spared either, incurring fines of $40,000 per day for similar absences. These stringent measures have compelled players to get creative about expressing their contract grievances. Instead of risking exorbitant fines, players like T.J. Watt in 2021 have chosen to show up but limit their participation — a move that ultimately netted Watt a lucrative deal, making him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the regular season began.
Financial Repercussions
The financial penalties escalate further with missed preseason games, particularly targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options. Each missed preseason game results in a penalty equivalent to a week's base salary. Furthermore, the training camp period extends from a team's mandatory reporting date through the Sunday before the first regular-season game.
A notable case involves Brandon Aiyuk, who stands to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 under a fifth-year option. Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts and incurred a fine of $101,716 for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Shortly before the start of training camp, he even requested a trade, exemplifying the complexities and tensions in modern NFL contract negotiations.
Star Players and Their Maneuvers
Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals presents another intriguing case. Despite the Bengals exercising a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, the star receiver chose not to participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. Indications are that Chase might not play without a new contract. Bengals president Mike Brown acknowledged the situation, stating, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." However, Brown also noted the timing issues, adding, "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 Bengals also have options under the CBA and Chase's contract to end his hold-in. The maximum penalty for a breach or violation of the contract includes a fine of one week's salary and 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, effectively preventing him from playing for the rest of the season and freezing his contract for the following year.
Other Notable Contracts
The current negotiation landscape has also seen hefty extensions for other prominent players. Justin Jefferson signed 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 agreed to a three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Jaylen Waddle secured a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins.
These examples underscore the fine line players and teams must tread in navigating contract negotiations under the new CBA. The "hold-in" strategy exemplifies the creative approaches players are willing to take to secure the terms they desire without suffering severe financial penalties. As the dynamics between player performance and compensation continue to evolve, so too will the tactics deployed in these high-stakes negotiations, shaping the future of the NFL for years to come.