The landscape of NFL training camp holdouts has undergone a significant transformation under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The newer CBA brought in more stringent financial penalties for players who abstain from attending, marking a turning point in how holdouts are approached by both players and teams.
Stricter Penalties Under 2020 CBA
The updated agreement mandates that teams impose fines of $50,000 per day for players who aren’t on rookie contracts and are absent from training camp. Players still under rookie contracts face a slightly lower fine of $40,000 per day. Additionally, unrestricted free agents or first-round picks playing under their fifth-year option face the severe punishment of forfeiting one week’s base salary for each preseason game they miss. Interestingly, the current agreements only allow for the possibility of fine reduction or forgiveness for those still under rookie contracts, adding another layer of complexity.
High-Stakes Contract Negotiations
Nick Bosa is one player who expertly navigated the intricacies of the CBA. Bosa secured a monumental five-year, $170 million extension just before the 2023 regular season kicked off, setting records for non-quarterback contracts. Out of this deal, $122.5 million is guaranteed, with $88 million fully guaranteed at signing, illustrating the lucrative upside for players despite the harsh penalties outlined in the 2020 CBA.
In contrast, Chris Jones experienced one of the rare holdouts that extended into the regular season. Jones accumulated a hefty $2.25 million in mandatory fines for missing training camp and forfeited a $500,000 workout bonus. His holdout lasted 51 days before it culminated in a modified contract that added $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the 2023 contract year.
Negotiating Raises and Guarantees
The holdout trend didn't stop with Jones. Zack Martin also succeeded in using his leverage to secure a raise, obtaining an additional $9.35 million over the remaining two years of his contract. What’s more, his previously unsecured 2024 base salary is now fully guaranteed, providing him with greater financial security moving forward.
Other notable names like Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick opted to skip mandatory minicamps over contract disagreements, despite the penalty for missing an entire three-day minicamp totaling $101,716.
Record-Breaking Extensions
Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson inked a four-year, $140 million extension averaging $35 million per year with the Minnesota Vikings. His extension includes a substantial $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing, demonstrating a commitment from the Vikings to secure their star player long-term.
CeeDee Lamb leads another group of players making waves. Lamb had a record-breaking season with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite his stellar performance, there are indications that the Cowboys may hesitate to make him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.
Sewell's Blockbuster Deal and Reddick's Move
Penei Sewell also made headlines by signing a four-year, $112 million deal with the Detroit Lions, setting a new standard for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees. This agreement underscores the premium placed on top-tier offensive linemen in the league.
In a noteworthy trade, Haason Reddick was sent to the Jets for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, which has the potential to upgrade to a second-round pick based on his performance. Reddick, coming off his fourth consecutive season with double-digit sacks in 2023, remains one of the top defensive threats in the league.
Pro Bowl Honors and Consistent Performance
Amari Cooper continued his strong performance, exceeding 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons for the Browns. His efforts were recognized with a selection to the Pro Bowl in 2023, further solidifying his status as a premier wide receiver in the NFL.
As the NFL continues to evolve, it's clear that the financial and contractual landscape is becoming increasingly complex and high-stakes. Players and teams alike must navigate these changes with strategic precision, balancing penalties and potential gains in an environment where every decision carries significant implications for careers and franchises.