The landscape of NFL training camp holdouts has evolved considerably since the introduction of the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). With more stringent financial penalties now in place, the dynamics surrounding player negotiations and attendance at training camps have shifted dramatically.
Stringent Financial Penalties
The 2020 CBA mandates financial repercussions for players who choose to skip training camps. Specifically, teams are required to fine players who aren't on rookie contracts $50,000 per day for any absences. Meanwhile, players still on rookie contracts face slightly lower fines of $40,000 per day. This financial burden serves as a substantial deterrent, drastically reducing the number of holdouts in recent years.
The penalties don't stop at daily fines. There are also severe repercussions for missing preseason games. Unrestricted free agents or first-round picks playing under their fifth-year option can face a punitive measure amounting to one week's base salary for each preseason game missed. The current agreement only allows fine forgiveness or reduction for those still on rookie contracts, adding further complexity to contract negotiations.
Major Contract Extensions
High-profile players have negotiated significant contract extensions ahead of the 2023 season, setting new benchmarks for financial guarantees and total compensation. For instance, Nick Bosa secured a five-year, $170 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers. This deal set records for non-quarterback contracts, featuring $122.5 million in overall guarantees and $88 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Similarly, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings inked a four-year, $140 million extension, averaging $35 million per year. Jefferson's extension included $110 million in overall guarantees, with an impressive $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Notable Holdouts and Adjustments
Despite the stringent penalties, some players have still chosen to hold out, leading to various negotiations and deal amendments. Chris Jones had a particularly rare holdout extending into the regular season, racking up $2.25 million in mandatory fines and forfeiting a $500,000 workout bonus. However, Jones eventually ended his 51-day holdout with a modified contract, adding $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the 2023 contract year.
Zack Martin of the Dallas Cowboys also succeeded in securing a better financial deal following his holdout. Martin achieved a $9.35 million raise over the remaining two years of his contract, transforming his previously unsecured 2024 base salary into a fully guaranteed amount.
Minicamp Skippers
Even mandatory minicamps have seen their share of absentees due to contract issues. Players like Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick skipped these minicamps, risking penalties of $101,716 for missing the entire three-day session.
Standout Seasons and Future Prospects
On the field, several players have delivered standout performances, directly impacting their contract negotiations and future prospects. CeeDee Lamb, for instance, had a record-breaking season with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. While the Cowboys may hesitate to make Lamb the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, his performance certainly warrants consideration for substantial financial rewards.
Haason Reddick also continued his impressive streak, achieving double-digit sacks for the fourth consecutive season in 2023. His performance led to a trade to the Jets, where he was exchanged for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, potentially elevating to a second-round pick based on his performance.
Amari Cooper has shown consistent excellence as well, exceeding 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons for the Browns and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023.
Offensive Linemen Setting Records
Offensive linemen haven't been left out of the financial windfall. Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Detroit Lions, setting a new record for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees. This deal underscores the increasing value placed on elite offensive line talent in the NFL.
The current NFL landscape is characterized by a blend of stringent penalties for holdouts and record-breaking contracts for top performers. As players navigate these complexities, their agent representation and negotiation strategies have become more critical than ever. With the financial stakes higher, the balance of power between teams and players continues to evolve, making each contract negotiation a high-stakes endeavor.