The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has seen a significant shift with the implementation of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). One of the more intriguing developments is the "hold-in" tactic, a maneuver players have increasingly used to express dissatisfaction with their contracts while still attending team activities. T.J. Watt notably employed this strategy in 2021 and subsequently became the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback right before the regular-season opener.
The Financial Implications
Under the current CBA, teams are mandated to impose fines on players who miss training camp. Players who are no longer on their rookie contracts face a substantial penalty of $50,000 per day for their absence. Rookies aren't exempt from heavy fines either, facing a $40,000 daily penalty for missed training camp days. The CBA also imposes additional penalties for missing preseason games, primarily targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks on their fifth-year options. These penalties can equate to a week's base salary for each missed preseason game.
This structured fine system has made the "hold-in" tactic a more appealing option for players aiming to renegotiate their contracts without the immediate financial hit. Only those on rookie contracts can potentially have their fines forgiven under the current CBA, providing some leeway for younger players.
Specific Cases
Brandon Aiyuk, scheduled to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 under a fifth-year option, opted to skip offseason workouts. His decision led to a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Aiyuk's discontent further escalated when he requested a trade just before the start of training camp.
Ja'Marr Chase also navigated the turbulent waters of contract negotiations recently. The Cincinnati Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, yet he did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. According to Bengals president Mike Brown, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it."
The Bengals' Approach
Despite the high stakes, Mike Brown maintained a firm stance on focusing on football during the season. "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," he remarked.
Should Ja'Marr Chase's hold-in extend into the season, the Bengals can invoke their rights under his contract and the CBA to enforce compliance. The maximum penalty for breaching Paragraph 2 of the NFL Player Contract can result in a fine of up to one week's salary and a suspension of up to four weeks without pay. A player who walks out after reporting to training camp risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list, rendering him ineligible to play for the remainder of the season and effectively freezing his contract for the following year.
Noteworthy Extensions
Several other high-profile NFL players have secured substantial contract extensions, reflecting their value to their respective teams. 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 inked 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 lucrative contracts underscore the significant financial commitments teams are willing to make to retain their premier talent. However, the evolving dynamics of player negotiations, illustrated by tactics like the "hold-in," indicate that players are increasingly leveraging their worth and positional influence to secure favorable terms.
As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the landscape of contract negotiations continues to evolve, characterized by strategic maneuvers and complex bargaining. While teams and players navigate the fine balance between maintaining focus on the field and off-field contractual matters, one thing remains clear: the business side of football is as fiercely competitive as the game itself.