The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has evolved significantly under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), introducing both challenges and new strategies for players and teams alike. A key development has been the rise of the "hold-in" tactic, used by players to express dissatisfaction with their contracts without facing the severe penalties associated with holding out.
Under the current CBA, teams must impose stringent fines on players who miss training camp. Players beyond their rookie contracts face a fine of $50,000 per day for their absence, with rookies subject to a $40,000 daily fine. The penalties extend further for missing preseason games, targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options. Each missed preseason game results in a penalty of a week's base salary.
A notable example of the "hold-in" strategy's effectiveness is T.J. Watt. In 2021, Watt utilized this tactic and ultimately became the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback shortly before the regular-season opener. However, the strategy isn’t foolproof. The CBA stipulates that players who walk out after reporting to training camp risk placement on the reserve/left squad list, rendering them ineligible to play for the rest of the season and freezing their contract for the following year.
One recent case in point is Brandon Aiyuk, who skipped offseason workouts and faced a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Additionally, Aiyuk requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp. He is slated to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option.
The Cincinnati Bengals are also navigating the complex waters of contract negotiations with star receiver Ja'Marr Chase. The team exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, but the receiver has not participated in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. Speculation continues about Chase's willingness to play without a new contract, despite the Bengals' leverage to enforce their rights under his current deal and the CBA.
Bengals president Mike Brown acknowledges the delicate balance required in these situations. "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it," Brown said, referring to Chase. He also mentioned the careful timing of contract discussions, stating, "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."
These dynamics underscore the high stakes and strategic maneuvers intrinsic to NFL contract negotiations. The risk of significant penalties, including fines up to a week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay for violations of the contract's Paragraph 2, adds to the complexity. Furthermore, only those on rookie contracts have the potential for fine forgiveness under the current CBA, a fact that influences negotiation strategies and player decisions.
Amid these shifts, several high-profile players have secured lucrative deals. Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, featuring $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Similarly, 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.
The evolving CBA landscape will undoubtedly continue to shape the tactics and outcomes of NFL contract negotiations. As players and teams navigate these new rules and leverage points, the professional football world will watch closely, understanding that what unfolds in these high-stakes negotiations can significantly impact team dynamics and player careers.