The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has been notably reshaped under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), introducing a new level of complexity and strategy for both players and teams. A significant change is the financial penalties imposed on players who miss training camp. For seasoned veterans, the fine stands at $50,000 per day, while rookies face a $40,000 daily penalty. The punitive measures extend to preseason games, with players incurring a penalty equivalent to a week's base salary for each game missed.
The "Hold-In" Tactic
In response to these strict penalties, the "hold-in" tactic has emerged as a strategic maneuver for players expressing contract dissatisfaction without incurring the heavy fines associated with missing mandatory activities. Players attend training camps but limit their participation as a form of protest. Notable examples include T.J. Watt, who capitalized on this tactic in 2021. Watt's strategy paid off, leading to him becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the start of the regular season.
Among the recent adopters of this tactic are Brandon Aiyuk and Ja'Marr Chase. Aiyuk, who requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp, skipped offseason workouts and faced a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. He is scheduled to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 under a fifth-year option. Meanwhile, Chase did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. The Cincinnati Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, yet his participation in the upcoming season remains uncertain as he might hold out for a new contract.
Bengals' Response to Ja'Marr Chase's Situation
The Bengals' upper management, including president Mike Brown, acknowledges the pivotal role Chase plays in the team, especially alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. Brown indicated the organization's inclination to focus on the immediate football aspects rather than mid-season contract negotiations. "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it," Brown stated, affirming Chase's importance to the team. However, he also noted, "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 could enforce their contractual rights under the CBA to end Chase's hold-in, including severe penalties for any player violating the terms of their contract. The maximum penalty includes a fine equivalent to one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Additionally, a player who leaves training camp after reporting risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list, which prevents participation for the rest of the season and freezes the player's contract for the following year.
High-Stakes Extensions
The shifting dynamics of NFL contracts are further illustrated by recent high-stakes extensions. Justin Jefferson secured a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, featuring $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, and Jaylen Waddle received a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins. These significant financial commitments highlight the escalating market values for top-tier players in the league.
The evolving contract landscape under the 2020 CBA underscores the continuing power struggle between NFL teams and their star players. As both sides navigate this complex terrain, strategies like the "hold-in" tactic will likely remain prevalent, serving as potent negotiation tools in an era marked by stringent financial penalties and high-stakes signings.