The evolution of NFL contract negotiations has seen significant shifts under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). One emerging player tactic, the "hold-in," allows athletes to express dissatisfaction with their contracts while avoiding the steep fines associated with missing training camp.
The Rise of the "Hold-In" Tactic
Under the current CBA, which mandates fines for players who skip training camp, players beyond their rookie contracts face a steep fine of $50,000 per day. Rookies, although slightly less penalized, still incur a $40,000 daily fine. Additionally, missing preseason games can result in the penalty of forfeiting a week's base salary for each game missed, specifically targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options.
The "hold-in" tactic has gained traction as a strategic maneuver for players unwilling to face these financial repercussions. By attending training camp but not fully participating, players can highlight their contract grievances without directly violating their attendance requirements. One notable case is T.J. Watt, who used the "hold-in" strategy in 2021 and subsequently became the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback right before the regular season began.
Recent Contract Disputes
This strategy is not without risks. Players who walk out after reporting to training camp risk being placed on the reserve/left squad list. This designation prevents them from playing for the rest of the season, effectively freezing their contracts for the following year. The specter of heavy fines and potential suspension looms over these contract disputes.
Brandon Aiyuk, currently set to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 under a fifth-year option, has experienced the consequences of his dissatisfaction firsthand. Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts and was fined $101,716 for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Additionally, he requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp, further intensifying his standoff with the team.
In another significant case, Ja'Marr Chase's contract issues have come under the spotlight. Chase, for whom the Cincinnati Bengals have exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option in 2025, did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. Chase's future play without a new contract remains uncertain, and the Bengals hold the power to enforce their rights under his existing contract and the CBA to end his hold-in.
Bengals president Mike Brown commented on Chase's important role on the team, saying, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it.” Brown continued, "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."
Breaking Down Recent Deals
While some players resort to hold-ins and other strategies to secure better contracts, others have successfully negotiated lucrative extensions. Justin Jefferson signed a monumental four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, a deal that includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Similarly, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle have secured substantial deals, with Smith signing a three-year, $75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles and Waddle receiving a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins.
These high-profile contracts highlight the growing power and financial stakes within NFL player negotiations. With escalating salaries and increasingly complex contract structures, the landscape of NFL negotiations will likely continue to evolve, shaped by both the assertiveness of the players and the strategic maneuvers of their respective teams.
As the season approaches, how teams and players navigate these negotiations will undoubtedly shape the upcoming NFL landscape. The balance between player satisfaction and team strategy remains delicate, promising intense negotiation periods and potentially groundbreaking deals as the NFL continues to grow in both viewership and financial clout.