The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has undergone a significant transformation under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). One of the most notable developments is the rise of the "hold-in" tactic, a maneuver that players now employ to express their dissatisfaction with their contracts without facing the severe financial penalties associated with holding out.
The "Hold-In" Tactic
Players beyond their rookie contracts face fines of $50,000 per day for missing training camp, while rookies are fined $40,000 per day. Additionally, missing preseason games results in a penalty of a week’s base salary for each game missed. Consequently, holding out has become a costly option. Enter the "hold-in" tactic, where players attend training camp but limit their participation, effectively signaling their discontent.
T.J. Watt famously used this strategy in 2021 and became the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback shortly before the regular-season opener. This tactic allows players to avoid substantial fines while still pushing for new contracts, highlighting a strategic shift in how athletes negotiate their value in the league.
Notable Contract Situations
The 2023 offseason has seen its share of player unrest. Brandon Aiyuk, set to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option, skipped offseason workouts and was fined $101,716 for missing the mandatory June minicamp. He later requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp, making his stance on wanting a new contract very clear.
Similarly, Ja'Marr Chase participated minimally in team drills during the June minicamp. The Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, indicating their intention to retain the star receiver. However, Chase might choose not to play without a new contract. The Bengals could enforce their rights under Chase's current contract and the CBA to end any potential hold-in, but such moves could strain relations.
“He’s a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He’s our next one. He knows that. We know it,” stated Bengals president Mike Brown on Chase's significance to the team. Brown added, “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.”
Contract Penalties and Risks
Players face significant repercussions for breaching their contracts. The maximum penalty for such a breach is a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Walking out after reporting to camp risks placement on the reserve/left squad list, preventing the player from participating for the rest of the season and freezing his contract for the following year. These measures ensure that players think twice before fully sitting out, increasing the attractiveness of the hold-in tactic.
Big Money Deals
While some players are navigating the complexities of contract negotiations, others have successfully secured substantial extensions. Justin Jefferson inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. This deal makes Jefferson one of the highest-earning non-quarterbacks in the league.
Other notable extensions include DeVonta Smith's three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and Jaylen Waddle receiving a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins. These contracts reflect the high value teams place on securing their top performers for the long term.
Future Implications
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the 2020 CBA has introduced new dynamics in player contract negotiations. The rise of hold-ins suggests athletes are adapting their strategies to leverage their positions without incurring excessive fines. It also underscores the importance of guaranteed money in contracts, as players seek financial security upfront.
The developments involving players like Brandon Aiyuk and Ja'Marr Chase serve as case studies in modern contract negotiation tactics. With teams and players navigating these changes, the offseason remains a critical period for resolving potential disputes and securing the futures of key athletes while avoiding the pitfalls of costly holdouts.