The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has evolved significantly under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), leading to new player strategies and team responses. One such strategy is the "hold-in" tactic, where players attend training camp but refuse to participate fully, demonstrating their contract dissatisfaction without incurring significant fines.
Under the current CBA, teams are mandated to impose steep fines on players who miss training camp. Veterans beyond their rookie contracts face a hefty fine of $50,000 per day, while rookies are fined $40,000 per day. Additionally, missing preseason games comes with a penalty equivalent to a week's base salary for each game missed, specifically targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options.
The "hold-in" tactic was notably used by T.J. Watt in 2021, a move that paid off when he became the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback shortly before the regular-season opener. This approach, while less confrontational than a holdout, still allows players to leverage their absences to negotiate better terms without the severe financial repercussions.
The Case of Brandon Aiyuk
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is a recent example of a player navigating these contractual waters. Scheduled to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on his fifth-year option, Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts and incurred a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Shortly before the start of training camp, he requested a trade, further emphasizing his desire for a new contract or a change of scenery.
Ja'Marr Chase: A Potential Hold-In?
Ja'Marr Chase, a star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. The Bengals had exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, but despite this financial security, rumors swirl that Chase might not play without a new deal in place. The Bengals, however, have options to enforce his existing contract, raising the stakes for both sides.
"He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it," said Bengals president Mike Brown, underscoring Chase's importance to the team.
"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, hinting at a potential standstill in negotiations.
If Chase were to walk out after reporting to training camp, he risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list, which would prevent him from playing for the rest of the season and freeze his contract for the following year. The specter of such severe penalties makes the "hold-in" tactic a more appealing option for players in his position.
Recent Major Deals
Among other notable contract developments, Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, including $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. This deal reflects the high value placed on top-tier receivers in the current NFL landscape.
Similarly, the Philadelphia Eagles secured DeVonta Smith with a three-year, $75 million deal, while Jaylen Waddle received a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins. These substantial contracts underscore the financial commitments teams are willing to make to retain their star players, setting the stage for continued high-stakes negotiations across the league.
The evolving strategies and significant financial penalties outlined in the 2020 CBA have reshaped how NFL players and teams approach contract negotiations. As the league continually adjusts to this new landscape, both sides will need to navigate these rules carefully, balancing the scales between player empowerment and team stability.