The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has evolved significantly under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), influencing both player strategies and team management practices. The emergence of the "hold-in" tactic, a maneuver where players express contract dissatisfaction by attending training camp but not fully participating, has reshaped how players negotiate and secure their value within the league.
A Fine Line
Under the current CBA, teams face stringent requirements to impose fines on players who miss training camp. For players beyond their rookie contracts, the fine is a steep $50,000 per day, while rookies incur a $40,000 daily penalty for such absences. Moreover, the CBA mandates additional fines targeting players who miss preseason games, including unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options. Each missed preseason game results in a week's base salary forfeiture, making the financial repercussions significant.
This regulatory framework sets the stage for players like T.J. Watt, who, in 2021, leveraged the "hold-in" tactic effectively. He attended training camp but refrained from full participation until shortly before the regular season, eventually securing a record-setting contract to become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback. His successful strategy highlighted the pressures teams face when star players employ such tactics to negotiate lucrative deals.
The Case of Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk's situation exemplifies the evolving dynamics of these negotiations. Scheduled to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option, Aiyuk took bold steps to express his contract dissatisfaction. Skipping offseason workouts, he incurred a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp and subsequently requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp. His actions underscore the lengths to which players are willing to go to renegotiate more favorable terms.
Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals Dilemma
Another high-profile case involves Ja'Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals. Although the Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, the player did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. The uncertainty surrounding Chase's participation without a new contract poses a dilemma for the Bengals.
Bengals president Mike Brown acknowledged the importance of Chase to the team's success, stating, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." Brown also hinted at the complexities of negotiating during the season, remarking, "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 must weigh their options carefully, as the CBA allows them to enforce their rights under Chase's contract to end his hold-in. The maximum penalty for a breach or violation of Paragraph 2 in the NFL Player Contract includes a fine equivalent to one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Moreover, if a player walks out after reporting to training camp, he risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list, thereby freezing his contract for the following year and rendering him ineligible to play for the remainder of the season.
Notable Extensions
While some players leverage hold-in tactics, others secure their future through substantial contract extensions. Justin Jefferson's recent four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings is a prime example. His contract guarantees $110 million overall, with $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Similarly, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle have also secured their financial futures with the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins, respectively. Smith's three-year, $75 million deal and Waddle's three-year, $84.75 million extension underscore the significant investments teams are willing to make in their key players.
The NFL's contract landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the delicate balance of power between players seeking to maximize their earnings and teams striving to maintain competitive rosters within the constraints of the CBA. As evidenced by the strategic maneuvers of players like T.J. Watt, Brandon Aiyuk, and Ja'Marr Chase, the ongoing tug-of-war in contract negotiations is a testament to the intricate and dynamic nature of the modern NFL.