The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has transformed significantly under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). One of the strategic maneuvers that has come into prominence is the "hold-in" tactic. This approach allows players to express dissatisfaction with their contracts without the severe repercussions of missing training camp.
Impact of the 2020 CBA
Under the existing CBA, teams are mandated to impose fines on players who miss training camp. For players beyond their rookie contracts, the fine stands at $50,000 per day. Rookies face a slightly lower penalty of $40,000 per day. Additionally, players missing preseason games can incur penalties equivalent to a week's base salary for each game missed. The training camp period spans from a team's mandatory reporting date to the Sunday before their first regular-season game. While these fines can be forgiven for those on rookie contracts, veteran players face a much stricter regime of financial penalties.
The Hold-In Tactic
One notable instance of the "hold-in" tactic was T.J. Watt's situation in 2021. By attending training camp but not fully participating, Watt avoided the harsh fines while still signaling his contract dissatisfaction. His strategy proved effective as he secured a lucrative deal, making him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the regular season began.
More recently, Brandon Aiyuk employed a similar approach. After skipping offseason workouts, Aiyuk faced a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Heading into the 2024 season with a fully guaranteed $14.124 million on a fifth-year option, Aiyuk requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp. His actions underscore the delicate balance players must navigate between their contractual obligations and their aspirations for better deals.
Bengals in the Spotlight
For the Cincinnati Bengals, managing star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's contract situation has become a critical focus. Although Chase did not engage in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp, the Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for him in 2025. Despite this, Chase's participation in future games remains uncertain as he aims for a new contract.
"He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it," stated Bengals president Mike Brown. Brown's comments reflect the high stakes and mutual awareness of Chase's importance to the team.
The Bengals are in a precarious situation. The CBA allows the organization to enforce its rights to end Chase's hold-in, which could potentially include severe penalties like a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. A walkout after reporting to training camp could result in Chase being placed on the reserve/left squad list, effectively freezing his contract for the subsequent year and preventing him from playing for the rest of the season.
"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," Brown added. This statement indicates the Bengals' intention to defer major contract decisions until the offseason, emphasizing their current focus on the upcoming season.
Recent Extensions and Contracts
Amid the backdrop of hold-ins and contract negotiations, several prominent players have secured substantial extensions. Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, locking in $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, while Jaylen Waddle garnered a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins. These deals highlight the broader trend of teams securing their key players with significant financial commitments.
The evolving dynamics of NFL contract negotiations reflect the ongoing tension between player leverage and team financial strategies. As players and organizations continue to navigate the complexities of the 2020 CBA, the hold-in tactic and other negotiation strategies will likely remain central to shaping the future landscape of the league.