The landscape of NFL training camp holdouts has undergone significant changes since the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was put in place, introducing more severe financial penalties for players who choose to abstain from attending. This move has reshaped the dynamics between players and teams, making holdouts an increasingly costly strategy for players aiming to renegotiate contracts or address disputes.
Financial Penalties Force Rethink
The 2020 CBA mandates that teams must fine players who aren't on rookie contracts $50,000 per day for training camp absences. For those on rookie contracts, the fine is slightly lower at $40,000 per day. Additionally, there's a punitive measure that deducts one week's base salary for each preseason game missed by unrestricted free agents or first-round picks playing under their fifth-year option. This strict regime has forced players to reconsider the financial implications of staging a holdout.
Notably, the current agreement allows for fine forgiveness or reduction only for players still on rookie contracts, adding another layer of complexity for veterans eyeing contract renegotiations.
Headline-Grabbing Deals and Holdouts
The NFL has seen some high-profile holdouts and subsequent contract resolutions. Nick Bosa made waves by securing a five-year, $170 million extension just before the 2023 regular season commenced. Bosa’s groundbreaking deal set records among non-quarterback contracts, boasting $122.5 million in overall guarantees and $88 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Meanwhile, Chris Jones made headlines with a rare holdout that extended into the regular season. He accumulated $2.25 million in mandatory fines for missing training camp and forfeited a $500,000 workout bonus. Jones eventually ended his 51-day holdout, agreeing to a modified contract that added $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the 2023 contract year, showcasing that persistence can sometimes pay off, albeit at a steep cost.
Zack Martin, another prominent holdout, secured a $9.35 million raise over the remaining two years of his contract. Significantly, Martin's previously unsecured 2024 base salary is now fully guaranteed, offering him financial security and rewarding his standoff.
Minicamp Absences and Financial Impact
Contract disputes have also led to players skipping mandatory minicamps. Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick were among those who missed minicamps due to contract issues, facing penalties of $101,716 for missing an entire three-day session. Such fines amplify the urgency and seriousness of these financial negotiations.
Record-Breaking Extensions
Amid these holdouts, several players have secured lucrative extensions. Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension averaging $35 million per year with the Minnesota Vikings. His contract includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing, underlining his crucial role in the Vikings' offense.
Penei Sewell also broke new ground with a four-year, $112 million deal with the Detroit Lions, setting a new record for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees. These contracts illustrate the premium teams are willing to pay to secure top-tier talent long term.
Outstanding Performances and Future Negotiations
On the field, some players have showcased performances worthy of their high-dollar extensions. CeeDee Lamb had a stellar season with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, though the Cowboys may be hesitant to elevate him to the status of the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback in the face of his demands.
Veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons for the Browns and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2023. Similarly, Haason Reddick, now with the Jets following a conditional 2026 third-round pick trade, marked his fourth straight season with double-digit sacks in 2023.
The enforcement of the 2020 CBA's stringent penalties has added a new layer of complexity to the NFL’s negotiation landscape, driving more calculated decisions from both players and teams. As the league continues to evolve under these financial regulations, the balance of power and strategy in contract negotiations undoubtedly will keep shifting.